FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 108, 3 November 1939, Page 6

FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS

In issuing the first appeal for contributions to the Wellington Provincial Patriotic Fund, which will open today, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. Hislop) specified the objects for which the contributions will be used at the start. The first uses made of the fund will be to provide instruments for a band at the Trentham Camp, to furnish the recreational hut now being built, and to build up a regimental fund. These objects may seem modest and, perhaps, unimpressive, but to anyone who has seen service and gone through arduous and often monotonous periods of training in camp they are of practical importance. It is quite true to say, ■ with Mr. Hislop, that a band is essential to camp life, if only to keep the soldiers in good heart. It gives a rhythm and swing to help the troops along on l-oute marches and entertains tliem in the evenings and on many other occasions. It is in keeping with old regimental traditions of the British Army for the people of the district from which the regiment hails to assist the band in the purchase of instruments and to take a pride in it The furnishing of the recreational hut for social gatherings of troops in camp is also another essential in the provision of which the civilian public should be glad to share, for it makes for a better spirit, morale, and camaraderie in the camp. The third purpose—to build up a regimental fund —covers the needs of the soldiers, over the longer periods of service, for the little comforts which supplement the ordinary issue of equipment and supplies and help to temper the 'rigours of the soldier's life. Soldiers in the last war benefited greatly by the generosity of the people of the Home Front in their contributions to the regimental funds, The initial ob<

jects for which the appeal is made are therefore practical and useful. As time goes on a wider scope will open out for the employment of the funds, and the public may rest assured that.their contributions will be utilised to the maximum advantage of the soldiers.