MAYOR OF WELLINGTON'S PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2530, 3 August 1915, Page 6

MAYOR OF WELLINGTON'S PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

SHORTAGE OF FUNDS,

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l desire through your columns lo draw the attention of the citizens of Wellington to the work of this committee, and also to the unfortunate financial position that now exists. I feel sure that the latter detail only has to be mentioned to ensure a very prompt'and generous response, which will enable the committee to continue its work of useful-' ness for the benefit of our lads who are fighting for us at the front and those who are in camp and going forward. On th'e outbreak of war at a public meeting held at the Town Hall this committee was set up, and in a few days about £4000 was subsoribed; £2000 of this sum, in accordance with a resolution passed, was handed to the, Government to assist in the purchase of horses and equipment "of the troops. Of tho balance, over £1000 was sent forward to the front to be used by the Ambulanco Brigade and others in connection with hospital work and for the assistance of any of our men. who might get into difficulties in foreign'lands. The remainder has been expended ill providing comforts for the men in the various camps, hospitals, and troop ships. I have no hesitation in saying that the funds have been well and wisely made use of, and the assistance much appreciated by all of our men.

The present reports unfortunately do not promise a speedy termination of'the war, and the assistance which has been given in the direction mentioned will be-needed for several months to come, but this work cannot be carried on unless the community will at once provide funds to wipe put the' present deficiency of £115 ana put sufficient funds at tho disposal of the committee to enable them to meet the needs of our sons and our brothers who are now going out and offering their lives for us. I might point out that much, that went in other centres to the Patriotio Committees was sent in Wellington direct to the Government, and this to some extent accounts for the present position. , , Might I ask, Mr. Editor, that _ you supplement, this somewhat disjointed statement by a few lines from your own more able pen.—l am, ' Hon. Sec. Mayor's Patriotic Committee. Contributions may be sent to His Worship the Mayor, to the Editor or The Dominion, or to Mr. C. Iv. Smitti, Alliance Assurance Company, Grey St.