PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1942, Page 4

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l Want to thank Mr. B. O. Peterson for his statement provided in connection with my letter in the "Evening Post," of November 5. Firstly, let me correct what I assume Mr. Peterson thinks is an "unwarranted statement." No doubt he refers to my saying "there has been a disinclination on the part of both Provincial Council and National Board to disclose how patriotic funds are being applied." That does not apply to the Wellington Provincial Patriotic Council. What I meant to convey was that, in their abridged balance-sheet as at September 30, 1941,fthey did not disclose what the amount 6f £101,284 in the rehabilitation account had been applied towards. That information is now provided Together with a further sum, amounting in all to £140,927, it is invested in War Loan, Liberty Bonds, Government Stock, local body debentures, etc. , J , , This is what I wanted to know, and I now wish to enter my objection to such a large proportion of the funds collected being invested. Apparently other provincial councils are doing the same, and it looks as though the situation surrounding the "Canteen Funds of the Great War is to be reepated. The patriotic funds are being donated for use now, not for. rehabilitation. Some little time ago a statement was made that prisoners of war were like,ly to go short of parcels if the amount aimed at was not donated. Where is the justification for such a statement when large sums are invested in war ° I* 1 will wait with interest the promised publication of the balance-sheet, but I still think a full and frank statement is overdue from the National Board regarding the funds they receive from the various provincial councils. Also the provincial councils j throughout New, Zealand should let the public know' plainly how much each of them has in investments.—l am, etc., w R JOHNSON>