GEORGE V MEMORIAL FUND

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 174, 20 April 1937, Page 5

GEORGE V MEMORIAL FUND

* Sir Harry Lauder Appeals for Support &• By Telegraph—Press Association. Rotorua, April 19. The famous comedian Sir Harry Lauder, who has just concluded a holiday at Taupo, addressed a very well-at-tended meeting on Saturday night. in support of the appeal for the King George V memorial fund to establish permanent children’s health camps. Sir Harry, who .said that he had a great attachment to New Zealand, expressed the opinion that the form adopted for the Dominion’s memorial was most suitable and appropriate, and in his own inimitable manner he made an appeal for general support for the fund. He related how on the last occasion when he saw the late King George V at Balmoral he noticed that the King bad quietly taken the Queen’s hand while he (Sir Harry) was singing “I Love a Lassie.” The late King was a very great gentleman, and had always taken the keenest and most affectionate interest in the welfare of peoples of all parts of his Empire. Sir Harry, who headed the Taupo fund with a donation of £5, concluded by singing two songs. The famous comedian is, among his other accomplishments, an' expert angler, and during the 10 days he has been fishing at Taupo with Mr. R. H. Niinmo, 'Wellington, he caught 115 fish. He is very pleased with the angling sport to be obtained in New Zealand. Wellington Organisation To set up committees for furthering the King George V Memorial Fund a meeting of delegates from sports, philanthropic and other bodies, called by the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, will be held at the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon. The fund will be used for the establishment of children’s health camps in New Zealand. Among the many 'Wellington bodies which have received letters of invitation are the Ratepayers’ Association, V.M.C.A., South African War Veterans, Returned Soldiers’ Association, thd Institute of Architects, the District Law Society, the Society of Accountants, and the Women’s National Reserve, etc. ‘‘The appeal emanates from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government, which has donated £25,000,” said Mr. Hislop yesterday, “and it is hoped by the closing date to secure the sum aimed at for the Dominion, £lOO,OOO. 1 am sure that the people of 'Wellington will be anxious to do their full share in establishing this appropriate memorial to the late King. I do not think any better form of memorial could have been suggested than this, which will do so much to ensure the health and well-being of the future generations of this country. I hope citizens will rally in support of the cause, and attend the meeting in large numbers ready to set up active committees to collect the Wellington portion of the fund. The donation by the Wellington City Council will be decided at its next meeting, after which I shall open a list at the Town Hall, and receive donations from subscribers.”