COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 89, 9 November 1939, Page 2

COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS

. — NATIONAL, PATRIOTIC FUND. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S APPEAL Speaking as chairman of the National Patriotic Fund Board, his Excellency the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, made a general appeal for Support on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund. In the course of his address he said: "Our men in camps here and already serving abroad, in their sacrifices for democracy will be called upon to endure hardship, face perils—brave great dangers. To them, therefore, we who remain behind owe not only our gratitude, but a tangible expression of that gratitude. We owe it to them to bring a measure of comfort and cheer to a lightening of their burden. It is for these that I appeal. I can give you the confident assurance that your gifts will reach those for whom they are intended in the most acceptable manner, in the way they will be most appreciated. The National Patriotic Fund Board has, as the title suggests, a national responsibility. It is charged with the duty of securing those funds and goods which will be spent or distributed through national agencies such as the joint council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society, the V.M.C.A, the Salvation Army, and other organisations operating on a national scale as well as by direct action. "The National Fund now established will not in any way conflict with, but on the other hand, will be entirely supplementary to efforts made by the eleven provincial councils. Steps are being now taken by means of a conference of provincial councils and the National Board and National Council to secure effective co-operation between the National Board and these provincial councils. I desire to make it clear that there will be no other element in the relations between them than that of complete co-operation. "Already the National Board has made expenditure and engaged in work for the forces in camp whereby very 'necessary comforts and amenities have been and are being supplied. Further calls for such and wider work can hardly yet be estimated, and we can only be prepared for whatever need may arise. I am therefore asking for an immediate subscription of a generous nature so that this work may go on steadily to the attainment of its objective. Donations to the National Patriotic Fund may be paid through your own bank to the credit of the National • Patriotic Fund at the Reserve Bank. Your own branch bank will remit your subscription, because of the generous courtesy of the Associated Banks, free of exchange. Alternatively, your donations may be made through the editor of any newspaper, paid into any branch of the Post Office Savings-bank on your instruction to remit it to the credit of the National Patriotic Fund Board, or sent direct to the Reserve Bank to be credited to the board. That your response will be generous I know. I am confident that you fully appreciate the sacrifices our men are making. I know you sympathise with them—that you are anxious to show your sympathy— anxious to brighten their lot. "I feel I need not stress the matter. I know from my own experience of them that the people of New Zealand—one and all—will make every reasonable sacrifice within their power in order that assistance and comfort may be provided for the defenders of their homes, their country and their Empire."