ART UNION PROCEEDS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 11

ART UNION PROCEEDS

For Needy People, But Not Tree-planting MINISTER ADHERES TO POLICY A reiteration of his decision . that while distress exists tbe profits of art unions will be allocated solely to the relief or necessitous persons, was given by the Alinlster of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, to a deputation representing the Wellington Beautifying Society which waited on him yesterday seeking a grant from art unions toward its tree-planting schemes.

While expressing sympathy with the objects of tbe society the Alinister stated that he had laid down a policy for the disbursement of art union proceeds and would adhere to it while distress remained. Nevertheless, he hoped later to be able to help the society in securing funds for its work. The deputation consisted of Airs. Knox Gilmer (patron of the society), Captain S. Holm (president), and Messrs. H. 11. Miller (secretary), R. L. Macalister, W. Alurie. Air. R. >AIcKeen, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said the society had the sympathy of the City Council and the Harbour Board because of its commendable objects. Airs. Gilmer explained that her chief interest in the society was in planting trees to make Wellington more beautiful, and the city had been lacking in tree planting endeavours in the past. When the society was formed eight months ago a policy was laid down that all labour for tree planting was to be done by unemployed workers at standard rates of pay. Last season a large number of men bad been given work at the standard wage. “On previous I haye waited on a former Alinlster of Internal Affairs to ask for an allocation under the clause relating to charity,” said Mrs. Gilmer, “and we come this morning to ask for an allocation to give unemployed men useful work planting trees. We have to begin soon because the planting season starts shortly and we hare to buy the trees.” Captain Holm emphasised the charitable aspect of the society’s work, tree planting being the highest form of charity. During the eight months of its existence it had received £320 from the public. All officers of the society gave their services voluntarily, and the funds were used in buying trees and paying the men last year. “W’e know there is a lack of civic pride in Wellington,” said Captain Holm, “and one of the objects of the society is to stimulate pride in the city.” Request for £lOOO.

Captain Holm then asked the Minister if he would consider an allocation of £lOOO for the society’s treeplanting activities, to be spread over several art unions. If the society could show the public that it was on a sound footing it would get more support than it now received. The Minister’s predecessor had been asked to receive a deputation but had stated that he was too busy, but the society was informed that it could get money from the art unions under the heading of charity. Air. Alacalister gave the society’s assurance that the money would be used solely for wages at standard rates. In reply, the Alinlster first expressed his pleasure at meeting the deputation. The objects of the society were viewed very favourably by him, he said, and it was pleasing to learn what had already been done. The work was of a kind that ought to be encouraged at every possible point, for there was nothing finer, both to the eye, and for the health of the community, than making the city beautiful with trees, which were of great value not only at the present time, but also to future citizens.

"I am able to do nothing just now in the way you suggest,” continued Mr. Parry, "but that does not say that I may not be able at some future time to assist. In view of the decision that I made when I look office that while we have people in distress in New Zealand all art union profits will go toward relief of that distress, I cannot give the assistance yon desire. I think you will agree with me on that. One thing that I found very soon after 1 took office was that, if I wore to give to one applicant for a donation from the art unions I would have to give to all. It is very difficult to resist the requests, most of them very appealing and genuine, that I receive from all parts of New Zealand. But I must stick to the principles I have laid down. IVe have people to-day suffering very severely indeed—people who have not been able to receive assistance except from charitable institutions. Recently I had to decline a request by the Returned Soldiers’ Association in connection with the graves of soldiers, for our first duty Is to the living. So I am unable to make any promise while there is suffering among the people of this country. So far as my department is concerned art union proceeds will be devoted to their relief. I am very sympathetic with the objects of your society—l might say I am enthusiastic about them—and I do trust your work will be the planting of native trees.” Mrs. Gilmer: We only plant native trees. Mr. Parry: Although I am an Australian, I fully agree with that.