BURIAL OF IMPERIAL SOLDIERS

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21033, 8 December 1933, Page 11

BURIAL OF IMPERIAL SOLDIERS

ESTABLISHMENT OF ITND SUGGESTED [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, December 7. "I think it is a serious reflection cn our civilisation to-day that some Imperial returned soldiers should have to be buried as paupers," said Sir George Richardson at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association. He said he did not know how many cases had occurred in Auckland, but they did occur from time to time. It was suggested by Sir George that the National War Funds Council should be asked if it was agreeable to, say, 10 per cent, of its monthly grants to the association made for the relief of distressed soldiers being utilised for a time to establish a fund in Auckland for the burial of indigent Imperial returned soldiers. He proposed that the amounts should be set aside each month, and allowed to accumulate until a fund of £IOO was established, 'the fund to be replenished as required by deductions from future monthly grants. The Eight Thing:. "The people of New Zealand, the association, and members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force would like to see the position remedied," said Sir George. "We ought to be fair and do our best for these Imperial returned soldiers who are now citizens of New Zealand. I realise that the money was not originally intended to be used in this way, but I think it is the right thing to do." The local returned soldiers clubs would scarcely miss the money, and great satisfaction would be obtained from the scheme. The chairman, Mr V. J. Larner, said it was a question entirely for the War Funds Council. What Sir George had said was quite right and praiseworthy, but it raised a debatable point. Mr E. J. Phelan said he had no knowledge of returned soldiers being buried as paupers. He suggested that the Claims 'Board be asked to consider the recommendation and | report to the next meeting of the executive. It might be possible to j overcome the matter without plac- | ing an impost on the present recipients of grants. I The suggestion was adopted.