PATRIOTIC WORK

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 128, 30 May 1917, Page 11

PATRIOTIC WORK

SUGGESTED METHOD OF RAISING FUNDS

•'THE SILVER BULLET CANNONADE"

PROPOSED PURCHASE OF THE LATE MR. DUTHIB'S HOME.

A meeting of the executive committee of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Patriotic Society was held last evening.. Present: Messrs. J. Lewis (secretary), C. EL Osmond, E. Peek, James M'lntosh, H. Cook, Y. Atkinson, B. Brownrigg, A. D. Leach, W. E. Fuller, G. Chapman, Lieut.-Col. C. D. Macintosh, and Capt. JM'lntyre. Mr. C. H. Osmond was voted to the chair.

Mr. A. G. Leach, musical director, reported that everything was going along in good order for the military church parade next Sunday. JToticeshad been sent to some 38 clergymen asking for the assistance of their choirs. A number of replies had been received. Definite assurances had been received ■that four bands would take part in the ceremony—namely, the Society's band, the Tramway Band, the Silver Band, and the Waterside Workers' Bandmaking a total of 140 players. It was' anticipated that the Trentham Band and probably the Salvation Army Band would also take part. In that event there would-"be 80 more bandsmen. It was hoped there would bo between 300 and 400 performers. The bands would march from different parts of the city, converging-on the Town Hall at a quarter to 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. J. Lewis said lie felt sure the parade next Sunday would be. worthy of the occasion. Permission had been obtained for the Cadet Corps to take part in the- service. Arrangements were being made for speakers. There would bo between twenty and thirty, clergymen on the platform. In conclusion, Mr. Lewis said it was anticipated that it would bo the finest military church parade ever held in Wellington. A sub-committee was appointed to assist the director and secretary in jegard to the arrangements. '% Oa the motion of Mr. Lewis, seconded by ah: Leach, it was resolved in connection with the establishment of an institution for returned soldiers suffering from shell shock, etc., affecting their mental powers:—

"That the New Zealand Patriotic Society agree to purchase the estate of the lato John Diithie, Lower Huttj for the sum of £8500, subject to the Government undertaking to defray all • charges in connection with the upkeep and maintenance of the institution; the purchase money to be a first charge upon the funds to bo raised by the forthcoming scheme for that purpose." THE NEW SCHEME. The question of adopting the proposed new method of raising funds for patriotic purposes by means of what is known as "the Silver Bullet Cannonade," was then brought up for further consideration. It was outlined at the last meeting of the executive. The Chairman said he was more satisfied with the results obtained at ,Wanganui and Nelson than by any-general statement in regard to the scheme. Mr. Leacli moved that the scheme yon the lines suggested by Mr. W. Lints be adopted, and that Mr. Lints be appointed organiser. Lieut.-Colonel M'lntosh remarked that he would liko to_ feel assured that tho manager or organiser would see tho thing through; for he would then have a much easier conscience with regard to the criticism those connected with the carrying out of the scheme, would probably have to face. Ho would also liko to know that the Government was in no way hostile to the carrying out of the scheme. Mr. Lewis remarked thatl from what he had recently gathered he believed they would get more support than was at one timo anticipated. With respect to criticism, his experience was that very often those who criticised gave- neither lime nor money to worthy objects of the kind tho society was engaged in carrying out. Those assisting must resolve to give every moment of the time at their disposal to tho object. Everyone must put his shoulder to the wheel. Lieut.-Colonel M'lutosh said they must be prepared to face criticism. Soveral speakers also alluded to criticism that had been levelled against members of the society in connection with tho work already done.

It waa unanimously- agreed to adopt "The Silver Bullet Cannonado Scheme." Mr. W. Lints, the organiser of this scheme, thanked the members of the Executive Committee for adopting it, In doing so they had put a certain amount of faith in him. The new scheme was a serious business. Eenergy and money were required in carrying it out, The scheme could be described as "An honestscheme, organised by honest men, for an honest cause.''

In reply to a question, Mr. Lints said he thought that £150,000 ought to be raised easily under the scheme. In Nelson they raised £25,000 and in Wanganui £58,000. • "

It was agreed that the work connected with the scheme be commenced on or about 23rd July.