WAIRARAPA PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3025, 12 March 1917, Page 9

WAIRARAPA PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION

« . \ KOCTIVE MEETING. (From Our Special Correspondent.) Carterton, March 9. Tho executive of tho Wairarapa Patriotic Association met at Masterton Yesterday afternoon, Mr. H. Morrison presiding. A communication was received from the Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, in reference to the investment of sums of money with the Wellington Moat Export Co., and tho Wellington Farmers' Meat Co. It was pointed out that while the investments were apparently made in accordanco_ with tho rules of tho association such investments were not provided for under tho Trustees Act. Tho trustees might bo held personally responsible in tho matter. It was decided to refer tho lettor to tho association's trustees. The Otaki Patriotic Society wrote, inviting assistance in providing various forms of amusement for tho soldiers at tho Otaki Sanatorium. Tho matter was referred to tho association's representatives on tho provincial Advisory Board for a report upon the subject. An acknowledgment was received from Miss Agnes I). Emr>son, of tho receipt of £100 for supplying extra comforts for tho. Miss Empson stated that she much appreciated the money being sent. A copy of a letter received from Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High Commissioner, acknowledging receipt of money sent on behalf of the association, 'for providing concentrated foods for tho men in Egypt and Mesopotamia, was received from Mr. L. H. Tripp. Tho High Commissioner added:. "I am greatly interested in all you are doing, for our men."

Tlio Serbian Legation in London wrote, explaining tho methods that were adopted for tho distribution of relief funds, and stated that tho Legation would be thankful for all donations, and would be pleased to answer all inquiries.—It was. resolved ,to make a grant of £50 per month for three months.

Mr. S. V. Parsonson, of the Y.M.C.A., and the association's representative at the front, wrote, giving in detail an account.of the work ho was doing. Ho also asked for certain information regarding tho names and addresses of Wairarapa soldiers, and the secretary was instructed to furnish the information. It was also decided that each soldier leaving tho Wairarapa bo advised by circular as), to where ho could find Mr. Parsonson and secure assistance. ■

Tho resolution passed at a meeting of tho executive lield in December, in reference to circularising all producers in tho district for further contributions to the funds, was rescinded. The opinion was expressed that tho sending out of circulars would not bo as successful as the personal canvass, and when tho last appenl was made a promise was entered into that another appeal would not be made for twelve months. That period did not expire until this month, and' if a further appeal was to bo made, it should be in a largo way, and by personal appeal. Ensign Hosking, of the Salvation Army, waited upon the association In support of an appeal in connection with tho Army's work amongst tho troops at homo and abroad. Ho described the work that was being done at Homo and in New Zealand for the assistance of soldiers. Ho thanked tho Claims Board for recommending a voto of £1000 to tlio Army, and asked, further, for a monthly contribution towards the work of the Army.

In answer to a question, Ensign Hosking stated that tho only contribution so far received : from tho Wairarapa Association by the Army was a sum of £200 odd.

The Claims Board wrote, recommonding a grant of £1000 to the Salvation Army, and Mr. Hope Gibbons, of tho Advisory Board, wrote, suggesting that a monthly donation bo made. After further discussion, . during which of tho Salvation Army was oulogised, it was resolved to grant £1000, and a monthly donation of £100 for six months. ■ , •

In expressing • appreciation of tho grant, Ensign Hosking said that the money would be expended to the best advantage.

"That this committee considers that the time has arrived when tho Wairarapa Patriotic Association should urge upon the Govcrnmont the necessity and desirability of acquiring good land in tho Wairarapa North for tho settlement of returned soldiers," was the text of a resolution ■ received from the Tonui Welfare Committee. The resolution looked a very interesting discussion, and it was decided that further discussion on tho subject bo adjourned, and that a special meeting be hold to 'deal with it.

In response to a communication from Chaplain-Captain Mullinoaux, of the Twenty-third Reinforcements, a grant of £25 was made, and Sir Walter Buchanan made- a personal donation of £10, in addition to the amount voted.

Mr. Q. Donald asked the meeting for assistance towards providing a building at tho Foatherston Camp for tho accommodation of the parents of soldiers who were confined in the military hospital, lie pointed out that accommodation in close proximity to the camp could not at present bo secured, and that it was desirable that parents should bo near their sons when the latter were seriously ill. A committee was set up to interview SurgeonGeneral Henderson on the subject, with power to expend a sum not exceeding £200.

Tho audited balance-sheet was submitted to the meeting and adootcd. The Wounded Soldiers' Fund stands at £70,307 os. 7d.; the association has £42,000 invented in debentures; £2i,000 m mortgages; £817 4s. lid. in advances to wounded soldiers: £18,700 cash on deposit; and a bank balance amounting tfa £9.326 4s. 4d