PATRIOTIC CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 15909, 15 September 1915, Page 6

PATRIOTIC CONFERENCE

[Per United Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, September 15. _ The adjourned conference of representatives of New Zealand patriotic societies and other organisations tor raising funds for the relief of wounded soldiers and sailors and their dependents was held today. The Mayor of Wellington expressed regret that unanimity had not been arrived at_ on the matter of the national fund being administered on national lines. Mr Skerrett, K.C., emphasised the absolute need for the formation of a. national fund. He said it was notorious that a large number of big firms were deterred from giving considerable sums to any but a national fund. Local societies holding funds were, he submitted, collecting, not dispensing, organisations. Thev could not dispense relief as well as a bodv representative of the whole Dominion. Several other speakers also urged that the conference should lift itself above a purely parochial plane. A resolution was carried affirming the desirability of establishing a national association for the purpose \of facilitating the co-operation by all Jocal branches in the administration of Var relief funds. Each local branch shall have full control "of the administration and investment of their fundsj and shall define the area in which local branches shall raise and expend funds; also define the uniform principle on which the claims for relief shall be assigned to local branchesj make provision for one branch, to act on behalf of another; fix just and equitable contributions to be paid by branches in possession of ample funds to others whose funds are inadequate. The resolution was carried unanimously, but the Auckland and Otago [delegates [ said they were unabte te V&&