WAR RELIEF

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 232, 25 June 1921, Page 5

WAR RELIEF

ASSOCIATION’S MONTHLY

MEETING,,

Messrs. C. M. Luke (acting-chairman), A. Macintosh, J. F. Aldrich, J. Lewis, D. M'lxiren, J. Hutchison*’ and C. Watson were present at a meeting of the War Relist Association held yesterday afternoon.

The acting-chairman (Mr. C. M. Luke) reported that he had called on Mr. Lavis (of the Wai- Funds Council) with respect to relief afforded to outside cases, which included Australians, Canadians, Belgians, and one American. They had presumed to help such cases, and as the amourit'was mounting up it was considered advisable to endeavour to get a refund of the said moneys from (he War Funds Council. They deemed this an urgent matter. Further matters in connection with correspondence between the association and Mr. Lavis were taken in committee. The secretary of the Advisory Board (Mr. R. W. Shallo rasa) wrote reminding {he association that it was usual to hold an annual conference in August, and he asked if the Wellington Association had any remits for consideration should such a conference bo convened. It was decider! to hold over the answer until the association had an interview with the Minister on debateable matters at present under consideration. Mr. J. Lewis pointed out the heavy work that was being done by the secretary and his staff, who were working at nights, on Saturday afternoon, and sometimes on Sunday. Mr. J. Hutchison said that the point had never been adequately recognised by the Advisory Board. It seemed as if they were doing as much work for other bodies as for their own association. The Wellington Association was the clearinghouse for all the societies. The secretary said that there, was certain work they had to do as they were the only body who could get into direct touch with the Defence .Department and other Government Departments. The chairman said the point was whe-

ther in the interests of their own men, they really had the right to spend so much money in the affairs of other bodies. He did not know whether it came within their constitution to do as they have been doing. ~ Mr. Aldrich asked if such other bodies had been asked to pay. answer was that they had, but as a ri\le they had refused. The secretary announced as a guide to the growth of the work of the association that in 1916 the cost of stationery was .£39. Last year the cost was -C-tW. It. was decided that this Was » tauter that should be brought before the AdviHory Board. __ . Reference was made to the Manawatu Association's scheme to distribute its funds. Mr. Aldrich said the scheme was not such a bad one, as the money, though it was being distributed, was being earmarked. That was to say, if a. man had a 70 per cent, disability, a certain sum was proposed to be to that end. It was mentioned that Mr J. Hi_--lop (Secretary of the Internal Affairs Department), was veiling i aimeistOß North in connection with the. matte . Mr A. Macintosh mentioned case of some societies that had tied all their money up in investments, ft was mentioned that in one case a J? ad vested all its money in war bonds, ami had no liquid assets. They had even naked the Wellington Association to buy some of" their bonds. Mr Macintosh pointed out that some of the extra pressure of the Mellm„.o Association might be due to other societies having tied their money up. ■ It was made an instruction to the 11nance Committee to take cognisance oi what had been stated in 10 staff, and to take such action as was deemed necessary. The following report of the finance Committee was adopted‘ln addition to its control of your financial operations, your committee considered 13 a ’ tions for loans of a total value of J-26C6 (general .£lO5, farms J3IU6, acquisition of residential property -£1065, and busines easni Of these, three applications of an'aggregate value of .£465 for part cost of purchase of houses, were declined; one claim was withdrawn; another Presented no war disability nor economic loss; whilst In the other the applicant s present salary is ISA pe.r cent, in excess of his prewar earnings. One application for a loan of .£6OO for the purchase of a tarmipioperty was declined, and the applicant

referred to the frown Lunds Department. One case presented economic loss resultant upon physical impairment, and assistance of a general nature, to the extent of .£lO5 was awarded, lhe remaining nine applications were reconsiderations of previous applications, in respect to alterations of rate of the repayment, and for more satisfactory guarantee of repayment, etc. They represented a value of il-f.96. farms di546, residential property .2600, and businesses £350. There aro five claims yet to be dealt with, value -£796 (farms .£146 and residential property £GSO). Of these, two are reconsiderations, farms £146. houses £200; but your committee will hold n special meeting next, week to dispose of them promptly/’