PATRIOTIC ART UNIONS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3020, 6 March 1917, Page 4

PATRIOTIC ART UNIONS

MINISTER, DEFENDS THE ■' GOVERNMENT POLICY. Reference to recent criticisms of the Government in regard to patriotic art unions was made by the Hon. G. AV. Russell (Minister of ; Internal Affairs) yesterday. "I notice that from time to time criticisms have been brought against the Government in connection with tho issue of permits, for art unions for patriotic purposes," said Mr. Russell.•'No doubt it would be an excellent thing if all the money which has boen raised for patriotic purposes could have been raised by voluntary contribution. That, however, has proved impossible. The object of the alteration of the gaming law to enable art unions to be held was,tb'allow of tho raffling of gifts that could not otherwise bo readily turned into money. Tho methods • adopted by tho.Department have destroyed the carnival of gambling which existed prior to the legislation of 1915. Our plan is to limit in. overy case tho art union au- | thorised to the provincial district in which it originates, and in the same, way to limit tho advertising within that district. Tho result has been that tho' gambling which wero so offensive before ,that, 1 time have now practically disappeared from tho newspapers. Very large sums of money for patriotic.purposes havo been raised from- these art unions, and there would havo been no possibility of raising such largo sums by any other means. Of course, those who start with the. principle that art unions aro per so wrong will hold a different opinion. I may remind them, however, that under our law art unions of works of art, including pictures belonging to art societies, have always been recognised. Several large institutions will in due course bo erected for the benefit of our soldiers, and the funds will have been largely provided by tho disposal of gift goods by art unions. The law as administered by the Government permits this method of raising money. 'Whilst I realise tho sincerity of those who aro opposed to all art unions and raffles, it seems to mo that , they themselves must recognise that there is a very large body of opinion opposed to their view."