RELIEF OF HUNGER

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 10

RELIEF OF HUNGER

More Govt Aid Sought

Concerned about the problems of world hunger, a joint churches’ national youth conference at Masterton has resolved to urge the Government to increase the non-tnili-tary overseas aid to 1 per cent of the national income by 1970.

Mr R. Blakely, of the Christchurch Central City Youth Committee, which promoted the motion, said yesterday that conference delegates also pledged themselves to give 1 per cent of their own personal incomes to non-mili-tary aid, and encourage others to do likewise. This was done to show their preparedness to accept higher taxes should this be necessary, he said.

Copies of the resolution were being sent to the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) and all members of Parliament, • said Mr Blakely. Petition forms were also being distributed throughout the country seeking persons willing to pledge themselves to a similar contribution. Mr Blakely said the petition would be presented to Parliament aboqt July and it was hoped that the Government would take action, especially since this was election year. "Government aid to underdeveloped countries last year was $12.5m, or half the cost of our new frigate,” he said. “If ‘Operation One Percent’ is successful this will bring the amount given by New i Zealand up to $36m."