A MUNIFICENT GIFT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3133, 11 July 1917, Page 4

A MUNIFICENT GIFT

■ FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS. Tho gift of a valuable property at Rotorua as a home for disabled soldiers was announced by tho Prime Minister in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. The donor is Mrs. Arthur Gillies, who has sent tho following letter to Mr. Massey: Dear Mr. Massey,—While you have been absent from New Zealand, there have been a great many letters in the papers with regard to the advisability of having permanent homes for our disabled soldiers. I have been waiting for your return to effer you for this purpose—as a gift—my property at Rotorua known as "Ivawaka Point," situated on Lake Rotorua, three miles from the town. It consists of seven acres, mostly garden, which goes down to the water's..edge. The bathing and fishing would be much appreciated by tho invalids. The house is rough-cast* and consists of fifl»cn rooms, with f.ne billiard room, married couple's quarters, rnd garage, etc., outside. AYe have a launch that goes over to Rotorua in nine minutes, which I include in the gift. It holds twenty persons. I thought the launch would, be a convenient means for the invalids "going over to Rotorua for treatment. There is a road to the town as well (of a sort). AYe are not living in our home at present, as my husband is working with the Efficiency Board here, and intends doing so r.s long as •his services are required. So it would make me very happy to think some of our brave soldiers were enjoying and receiving benefit from our lovely home. The soil there is very good, not poor, as in some parts of Rotorua, and we grow splendid vegetables and flowers, and have an extensive orchard just coming into bearing, so it struck me if ynu accept our offer the soldiers could nm];p the place partially, if not wholly, self-sup-porting by growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Rotorua would be au excellent market, as it consists chiefly of hotels and boardinghou-es. We have no son to send to the war. and feel we would like to make 6ome personal sacrifice for the great cause, so hope you will bo able to accept, and make use of what we are able to_ offer.

Wo followed vour movements in England and elsewhere with great interest, and are glnd to think yen nre .-afely home again at the head of affairs. Tours sincerely, (Sgd.) CONSTANCE GILLIES. The announcement was received with applause. Mr. Massey said he was sure the House would appreciate the generosity display by Mrs. Gillies. He was informed 'that the property was most suitable for the purposes for which it had been given. '