REPATRIATION FUND

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 107, 6 May 1916, Page 6

REPATRIATION FUND

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

SYDNEY, 28th April. There has been issued by the Federal Government, with support from the State Governments, an appeal for subscriptions by the public to a big fund to be applied to the repatriation and proper setting-up of returned Australian soldiers. The Federal Government has promised to give £250,000. While the purpose announced ,in connection with the fund must and does meet with hearty approbation, there is considerable criticism of the scheme' of relying largely upon voluntary donations. , It is contended by critics that the purpose represents an unavoidable national duty, which ought to be met, like our current obligations as, regards the prosecution of the war, by provision from public funds made up by taxation, so as to ensure the worthy fulfilment of the object and the proper distribution of the burden. But many are more generous than critical. The Melbourne press announces a donation of £25',000 by the Melbourne firm of Baillieu Brothers and Mr. W. L. Baillieu, M.L.C. Five thousand pounds of this handsome contribution is in cash, and the rest is in "as good as cash " debentures.