RINGS GIVEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 9, 10 July 1943, Page 6

RINGS GIVEN

WOMAN'S GESTURE

A letter received by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) from a woman who wishes to remain anonymous,and the Minister's reply to the letter make a moving story.

This was the letter received by Mr. Nash:—

"Dear Mr. Nash, —Just a wee note asking you to try and dispose of these rings of mine to help hi. the war loan. I can't help any other way. I get a pension of £7 19s a month, for which I thank God. I have to pay £1 per week rent and keep myself and son aged twelve years. So you see I can't help much by way of giving money. "My fingers are swollen with arthritis, so I am not able to wear my rings. You are quite welcome to them if they can help in any way. We are a very fortunate people. I dare say the most well-off people on the face of the world in every way, and it would be an awful shame if we did not give to the utmost in this loan. "Wishing you all of the best, and then some. "P.S.—I would prefer my name not mentioned." To this letter Mr. Nash sent the following reply:— "Dear Mrs. . It is particularly difficult to express what I feel with regard to the circumstances of your letter of the 6th instant. I am doubtful whether any act during the present campaign for the Liberty Loan has brought a greater wealth of good will and feeling than your note, with its accompanying gifts. "The rings which you sent have such value that I am doubtful whether we ought to take them, and yet I am reluctant to deny you the opportunity to give expression to the feeling that you have in connection with those that are suffering on account of the war as compared with our situation here in New Zealand. I wondered if I could keep the rings for a day or two without disposing of them, to see how the loan goes, and if the full sum is realised perhaps 1 could return them to you as a memorial of what you were willing to do so that others could have some of their difficulties and troubles removed.

"With many thanks and every good wish."