HERITAGE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24642, 11 August 1945, Page 2

HERITAGE

OBJECTS OP MOVEMENT

INCREASED MEMBERSHIP

In June, 1844, the executive committee of Heritage (Canterbury) had 331 members, said a report presented to * members at a meeting held last evening. Whert the first annual meeting was held on October 31 last there were 490 members and the number on the roll Is now 689, of which 66 are life members. Mr W. B. Lascelles presided. As the war draws to a close, continued the report, it becomes increasingly difficult to convince prospective members that they have a responsibility to see that the children of deceased servicemen get the advice and guidance that would have been available to them had their fathers not died in the service of their country. The increase In membership had improved and the funds now amounted to £3ll 13s 7d in the Bank of New Zealand. £3OO in the Post Office Savings Bank. £IOOO in a National Savings Account, besides £l5O Invested in New Zealand Government inscribed stock. Mr F. H. Walls, reporting on behalf of the publicity committee, said that 12 months ago the membership was 331, and the funds amounted to £460. To-day there were nearly 700 members, and the funds had reached £2OOO. which sums included two donations each of £IOO. The sympathy of soldiers was shown in the gesture of the 4th Canterbury Battalion, which had handed over its funds with a proviso that preference should be given to children of men of the battalion. The Junior Chamber of Commerce had given the movement full support, and had already provided 20 members. The objective was 1000 members and £SOOO in casli Mr Lascelles said tne work of the society was not yet as heavy as it would be. Rehabilitaiton at this stage was vita! to everything in our world. Britain had to work with understanding, otherwise it would lose its identity. Heritage was filling a niche in the grand wall of rehabilitation. It was small but valued in Importance. So much had been done by the nations in a spirit of hatred and class strife that it became a question whether something should net be done in a spirit of love and kindness Heritage offered for working together with women who were destitute and children who were fatherless Heritage had not attempted to do its work by blatant publicity, becanst it did not want recipients to think they were receiving charity. The sponsors in the Heritage movement had been well chosen, and that they need not be called on was a credit to the relatives of the fatherless chi’dren, who were assuming responsibility In 10 or 12 years the peak strain on the society would he reached—a period when education would be the big thing to be dealt with. From then on the responsibilities should diminish until every child left fatherless ny the present war would be able to fend for itself On the motion of Mr F. H. Walls, it was decided to co-operate with the Returned Services’ Association in providing children of returned servicemen with an entertainment to be arranged. "Often women did not realise the real objects of the society and were rather lax in replying to communications from the society," said Mr A. Eckroyd. If the women knew exactly the specific type of work which Heritage carried out there would be no hesitancy, he continued. Members should be standard-bearers of the work and objects of the society. Mr A. J. McEldowney said there was evidence that the work of Heritage was bearing fruit, and this was shown in the fine type of sponsor who had volunteered. He gave several Instances of work done —a work in which the greatest understanding. and tact were required. Health •nd recreation had to be considered, and Outing last Christmas 30 fatherless rhli-

dren had been given a good holiday. Dental treatment had been provided for children and expert professional advice tendered to mothers when it was badly needed.