PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 88, 7 November 1939, Page 3

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

CONTROL OF COLLECTION

POWERS OF LOCAL BODY

CHAIRMEN

A report was made to the Ellesmere County Council at its meeting yesterday afternoon by Cr. R. T. McMillan concerning proceedings at a conference of representatives of all local bodies called by the Christchurch City Council to consider the patriotic purposes emergency regulations. He said that a committee controlling appeals in the area had been set up. So far as the collection of funds in the local body districts was concerned, mayors of cities had authority to grant permits and the chairmen of county councils and town boards would have the same powers. It would not be legal to raise funds for any purpose for which a permit had not been granted. So far the only appeals authorised had been for a band at Burnham and for V.M.C.A. recreation facilities at that camp. Cr McMillan added that it was anticipated that approximately £10,000 would be required for a year for various purposes while the soldiers were in camp in New Zealand. Not so much money would be required while the troops were in New Zealand as. would be the case if they went overseas. Cr. W. O. Rennie considered that the Government should find funds for the purposes mentioned. He did not want to put cold water on the appeals but he thought that it wasj a matter for the Government. ! Cr. McMillan replied that the Government had already provided certain recreational facilities but they were not adequate. In further discussion it was mentioned that during the last war each battalion had its own band but members did'not know who provided the funds to purchase the instruments. Cr. R. T. McMillan was appointed the Council's representative on the provincial council. The matter of making a grant was held over for the meantime.