DECLINING FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 48, 25 August 1939, Page 6

DECLINING FUNDS

NATIONAL WAR COUNCIL

RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE

The gradual decline in the funds at the disposal of the National War Funds Council was commented on by the chairman, Sir Charles Luke, when the twenty-fourth annual meeting of the council was held in Wellington. Reviewing the work of the executive during the last year, Sir Charles said that as time went on patriotic control had narrowed considerably and the main duty was that of relief and general assistance. In view of future financial responsibilities, the question of declining funds was one which should be noted. Sir Charles added that improved conditions had allowed a reduced unemployment vote, which had been reflected in the excess of expenditure over income.

The meeting was opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon W- E. Parry). Also in attendance were Messrs. L. O. H. Tripp. S. J. Harrison, J. D. Harper, W. E. Leadley, an"d Colonel A. Cowles (Wellington), and Messi-s. H. Morrison (Wairarapa), H. Holland (Christchurch), and J. T. Paul (D.unedin). Mr. H. Bellworthy represented the Internal Affairs Department. Apologies were received from Sir James Gunson and Mr. V. J. Lamer (Auckland), Mr. J. Gilkison (Invercargill), and Colonel H. E. Avery (Weir lington), and Sir Andrew Russell (Hawke's Bay).

i Mr. Parry welcomed councillors and expressed the belief that their deliberations would be helpful to disabled exsoldiers. The experience of those present was the outcome of many years of service with patriotic associations. Mr. Parry referred to the deaths of the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass and Colonel G. Mitchell, both of whom . had given valued service to the public and returned soldiers. Mr. Parr> commented also on the report of the War Funds Investigation Committee and said that after the council had considered ths report the findings of the committee would be gone into. The statement of accounts disclosed that the accumulated fund stood at £74,638 and the trust fund at £9251 The income and ' expenditure account showed a lower income than for the previous year, and the excess of expenditure over income totalled £4509. Excess of expenditure over income for the past seven years had amounted to £83,600. The trust funds increased by £230. but this was mainly the result of a transfer of interest.

Considerable discussion took place on questions of relief and assistance, and in regard to general policy. Many cases, the responsibility of societies and districts whose funds were expended. it was stated, were now being assisted by the council, in addition to unemployment relief. It was agreed that the improved conditions had resulted in lessened applications and rr.ost of t' rt/;2o seek iff assis'^^e wwr-i as a rule, in receipt of allowances provided by legislation. Imperial ex-soldiers, it was reported, were still assisted from the Poppy Day Ex-servicemen's Fund. London, disbursements being made hy the New Zealand R.S.A. The cost for the year was £1165

The unemployment grant for the year was fixed at £3000.