Evening Post. SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916. NATIONAL OR PAROCHIAL?

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 84, 8 April 1916, Page 4

Evening Post. SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916. NATIONAL OR PAROCHIAL?

People who have given money or material for the benefit of sick or wounded soldiers have no wish to be parochial, no desire to allow a detail of geography to hinder the comforting of a man in need. Similarly the trustees of those funds aspire to be patriotic in the broad and deep sense of the word—not pettily provincial. Yet, despite the wish of all districts to act fairly by New Zealand's soldiers, there will always be a danger of parochialism until the various patriotic societies agree to amalgamate their funds and have a sound national organisation. At the beginning of the movement for these funds, ouv belief was that the present plan of a National Advisory Board, with independent provincial societies—an arrangement slowly evolved after several conferences —would bring in the most money, but as time goes on the evidence in favour of a straight-out national system becomes stronger. The scheme of an Advisory Board, without executive power, represents a compromise; it is a stage on the road to the national goal. Further progress in the right direction is visible in the societies' agreement to have reasonable reciprocity. For example, if a returned soldier (whose home is in Wellington) happens to be in Auckland, and finds himself in need of aid, he can apply confidently to the Auckland 'Patriotic Society. There is no vexatious delay witli debates as to whether the man is beyond the bounds of Auckland's bounty. Help is given as soon as possible, and then a memorandum is sent on to the Wellington War Relief Association, which requites the northern body. That method of give-and-tako necessarily makes for nationalism. Outside of Auckland there is a feeling that this province will be the last to consent to a merging of funds, but the unexpected may happen there for a reason which has been overlooked. Auckland's organisation in this matter is believed to be the best in New Zealand. Wellington Province has many societies which are not yet federated, but in Auckland they are all linked up, and the administration is comparatively simple. Week by week, month by month, Auckland folk will see the advantages and the economy of good organisation, and as progressive people they may wish eventually to have that kind of co-ordina-tion of effort extended through New Zealand. Indeed, the Auckland executive is in the best position to lead an effective campaign for nationalism.

The need of a merging process is seen outside the Patriotic Societies. New Zealand has the St. John Ambulance and the Red Cross, each working separately for the same object, at a loss of time, energy, and money by reason of the separate establishments and overlapping. The Ambulance Brigade, after a long and honourable career hero, is unwilling to sink its identity in the E«d Cross— but thic is a time of sacrifice. Many a strong man has lost his identity in a Gallipoli grave for his country. Consider, too, the local Patriotic Society, the Ma-yor's^a'triotic Fund, and the War Relief Association. At present, the society is a collecting body for the association,- but the society is also a spender when it raises money for purposes not included in the scheme for sick and wounded soldiers. .For example, the society may expend money in connection with the arrival or departure of troops or the men in camp. Similarly the Mayor's Fund can be used. We believe that the whole of these funds should bo entrusted to the War Relief Association, for administration by special committees. Meanwhile Wellington people have pleasant proof -that the War Relief Association is earnestly at work, quietly but effectively. A few weeks ago a sum of £1000 was sent to the High Commissioner, for transmission to the New Zealand War Contingent Association, which provides comforts for this country's soldier patients in English hospitals, and another grant of £1000 was allotted to the Y.JI.C.A. for the benefit of soldiers abroad. If the various Patriotic Societies accept the Advisory Board's recommendation that a total of £3000 per month should be contributed for the comfort of sick, wounded, and convalescent soldiers overseas, this money will be .sent to the High Commissioner (svho is President of. the New Zealand War Contingent Association). The proposal is to have £1500 used in English hospitals on "comforts outside ordinary necessaries" and £1500 among men beyond Britain. It is estimated that the levy on Wellington Province will be about £600, to be supplied by a number of societies in sums proportionate to their financial strength. It is a wise decision to invite the High Commissioner to be fisnpoaslbl* fee & fair sllwfttion of the