Defining Objects for Relief,

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 9

Defining Objects for Relief,

, On the subject as to how far relief was to be granted from the fund, the chairman took it that relief would only be given to wounded soldiers and sailois, and the dependents of those who have fallen, . Mr. Wray said, lie hoped that was not so. There may be those who have made considerable sacrifices who come back sound, and may be in a state of distress. ; Mr. Skep'ett said that the money should only be given to the sick' or incapacitated by the war and the' dependents of those who have fallen. If they were going further, and were proposing to make it a charitable aid scheme, then they were attempting too great a work—a work they would never accomplish, and one that would open the door to imposition. Mr. Tosswill gaid h© heartily disagreed with Mr. Skerrett. 'They had cases cropping up in Christchurch every day, which they had to relieve. They were not . setting up people in business, putting people 011 the land, or furnishing houses, but there were cases where they had to make I small grants weekly. j Mr. Wilson quoted the case of reservists' wives and children that were being assisted in his district.. > »■ ' -

The chairman said they had twenty reservists' families to look after, but ho did not think they had any claim on that fund. ■

| : Mr. Richards, (Stratford) said they may be able to separate their funds for different objects, but in small districts like his the whole of the work had to be done by the one committee.

Mr. Parr said it would be unwise to restrict the'objects of the fund unduly. Mr.'Williams said it came as a surpriso to learn that the purposes of the fuud would be so circumscribed. If it had been made quite clear to them they would written to say that the fund was not 'the ono they were prepared to discuss, nor would 'hey. ' Mr. Bray said that if they did not allow a certain discretion, a proportion of tho money would be held back from the National Fund to meet oth»r-objects. The chairman said that the ,£75,000 raised in Wellington was-specifically for wounded soldi irs and their dependents, and nothing would alter his belief in that regard.

.'lt was finally agreed to widen the objects by altering Rule A 'for the guidance of branches) to read : "For the relief and benefit of ■ New Zealand wounded or incapacitated or necessitous soldiers and sailors and those in any way dependent upon them." The broadening word. was the inclusion of the word "necessity lous'.' '

i -In tho case of a .branch which had con-, tributed to funds in a neighbouring centre, it was decided that or more branches could co-operate in the administration of. funds'.

•On, a clause under tho heading "Duties of Branches" it was suggested that all of the funds may l be amalgamated to save bookkeeping expenses, but that all branch funds be kept separate on the books. e Christchurch delegates opposed tho idea of pooling at all,' and Mr. Parr'xirged that each branch should have the right to invest 'its own funds.

Mr. Skerrett thought the clause' a good one, and that branches- would find it to their advantage to allow the executive, to invest their funds. There were two great dangers to be guarded against. One was maladministration, which they had provided against, and the other was dishonesty. It would bo a shame and a 6Caudal if _ anything should go wrong in the administration of tho menev, Tho now clause was adopted. A subsequent clause provided that: "(4) Any moneys belonging to any fund not required for immediate use may be invested—(a) By depositing tho same with RJiy bank -or institution approved by the bovernor-m-Council in pursuance of the 1 rusteo■ Amendment Act, 1914, or with tho Public Trustee, (b) In such manner as trustees are authorised by law to invest trust moneys." This was adopted. It was agreed "That no branch can make a grant exceeding ,£IOO without tho consent of the executive."

Mr. Clark (Dunedin) suggested that the first thing to be done was to havo the delegates supplied with printed copies of the scheme ns amended, so that the various committees could discuss it, in view of the next conference.

The committee, to be associated with Mr. Skerrett in drawing up the scheme as amended and to call the next conference, was appointed-as follows:—Messrs. L. 0. H. Tripp, H. G. llill, C. J. l'arr, ,Tas. M'lntosn, S. Kirkcaldie, and tho Mayor of. Wellington. - The printed copies of tho scheme are to be in the hands of those .interested a month before the next conference meets.

The conference concluded with a hearty vote of thanks' to Mr. Skerrett for the splendid work lie had done for the conference. Votes of thanks were accorded to tho Mayor for presiding, and to Mr. Bain for acting as secretary of the conference. '