WAR FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 11, 12 July 1929, Page 10

WAR FUNDS

COUNCIL MEETING

MUCH YET TO BE DONE

FUTURE ACTIVITIES

The fourteenth annual meeting of tho National War Funds Council was held at Parliament House yesterday, under tho chairmanship of the Hon. do la Perrelle. I'he following councillors were present.—Messrs. V. J. Lamer (Auckland), H. Morrison (Masterton), Sir John P. Luke, Messrs. L. O. H. Tripp, C. M. Luke, J. D. Harper (Wellington), H. Holland, M.P:, W. E. Leadley (Christchurch), J. Gilkison (Invercargill), and the secretary, Mr. O. H. Dillner. Mr. Pyne, of the Internal Affairs Department, was also present.

The Minister expressed pleasure in meeting councillors, and referred to the fact that many of them had been connected with the council since its inception. He eulogised the work done by the council and patriotic societies, and hoped that the services of the experienced committees would be available for many years. He alluded to the many years' connection with patriotic matter of his predecessor, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, who had always taken a keen interest in patriotic affairs. The Minister said he would be pleased to place any representations from the council before the Government. On account of having to fulfil other engagements, the Minister at this stage vacated the chair, which was taken by Sir John P. Luke, chairman of the executive.

Sir John Luke congratulated the Minister on his promotion to Ministerial rank, and said he felt sure the Minister would carry out his duties satisfactorily to the _ people of the Dominion. He briefly reviewed the year's activities, explaining the action taken as regards the various matters dealt with by the executive at the regular meetings. He referred to tho long association of • their late chairman, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, with the council, and his interest in connection with the lot of the returned' soldier, and, on his motion, a resolution of appreciation of the Hon. W. Downie Stewart's services as Minister of "War Funds, and for the interest displayed by him in patriotic matters, was passed unanimously. COUNCIL'S DISBURSEMENTS. The matter of relief to Imperial A.1.F., and N.Z.E.F. ex-soldiers was considered, the fact being noted that the council's disbursement for the year totalled over £9000. The report dealing with fit unemployed men was adopted, the opinion being expressed that the grants made, together with the subsidies received from local bodies rendered excellent service, and it was decided that a further sum of £5000 be authorised to further assist unemployed soldiers during the. forthcoming year. - ° Reports dealing with the functioning of societies were considered, and the question of investigating the 'affairs of one society was referred to the executive for action. The expenditure of the grant of £250 voted by the Government for the relief of veterans of.the South African War was referred'to, and the fact noted that many applications had been received by the South African War Veterans' Association for assistance, and a resolution was passed recommending the Government to accord further assistance. SERVICES REMEMBERED. The chairman reported that transfers during the year amounted to £10 - 639 18s lOd, and that £383 12s 9d had been received from the Public Trustee, Gisborne, under the will of the late James Chambers; the terms of the trust is as follows: "For the relief of soldiers and ex-soldiers resident in the North Island who have been blinded or otherwise disabled in the European War of 1914-1918." Pleasure was expressed that at this date bequests were made for the benefit of ex-soldiers which showed that their services were still reniembered. The imprest held by the High Commissioner for relief of N.Z.E.F. exsoldiers resident in England was dealt with, and the executive was empowered to alter the procedure of granting assistance. A report on the state of the Soldiers' Club, Christehurch, was adopted, the executive being accorded power to effect certain repairs. The question of co-operating with the Nelson Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund in relieving ex-soldiers directly affected by the earthquake was referred to tho executive.

The disposal of the remaining portion of the Methodist Church War Fund was finalised, the arrangement being that the moneys will be used in the assistance of padres in accordance with the original purpose.

INCAPACITATED AND UNEMPLOYED.

The remit from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association regarding the setting up "of a commission to investigato the problem of the partially incapacitated soldier, and also the unemployed soldier, and to make recommendations whether or not occupations of a special nature could be provided, and the matter of financial assistance towards the cost of such commission was exhaustively dealt with. Tables were submitted as to the numbers who might have to be assisted and classified in sections, according to their, present economic status. The opinion was ex-

pressed that the position disclosed as to the standing of certain classes enumerated could well be investigated and avenues of partial employment could be explored. After a discussion of various phases of the proposals, the council decided to associate itself with the association's movement, and the matter was referred to the executive for action.

The statement of accounts and subsidiary accounts were adopted. The chairman referred to tho fact that bofore long societies would call upon the council for assistance, and every endeavour was being made to augment the funds so that relief could be continued. The accumulated fund now stood at £162,183 19s 7d, in addition to which there were trust funds of £-6991 15s 9d.

The report of the executive covering the various matters dealt with during the period under review was discussed in detail, and a vote of thanks was accorded the chairman and executive for the constant and close attention given to the administrative work of the council.

The secretary, Mr. O. H. Dillner, was accorded a vote of thanks for services rendered during the year.