SOLDIERS' CHILDREN

Evening Star, Issue 17032, 1 May 1919, Page 10

SOLDIERS' CHILDREN

THE TREXTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

The other day, Dr J. E. Riddell, who is so well-known in the Hawke's Bay district, was visiting Wellington, where he was interviewed on the subject of the Trentham Dominion Scholarships Art Union. It is well-known by all those interested that Dr Kiddell's energy has had a great real to do with the progress of this scheme. The doctor has himself contributed over £I,OOO to the fund in prizes —such is his practical sympathy witn the soldiers' kiddies. And the interviewer's object was to secure as much information as possible from the doctor concerning the manner in which it was proposed to administer the fund. "Well," said Dr Riddell, " tho fund was originated by Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.G., N.Z.S.C., when he was Camp Commandant at Trentham Camp. Starting in a Small way, the fund was so enthusiastically received by prominent gentlemen, that the scheme developed into a much more ambitious project than was originally considered. No doubt," continued Dr Riddell, "the hard work of Colonel Potter and his keen enthusiasm for the cause had a great d-eal to do with the development of interest in the fund. The trustees are : Major-General Sir A. Robin, K.C.M.G., C:B., General Officer Commanding New Zealand Forces, Dr W. J. AjffijSfsoii', Director of Education, "an"d Colonel r l'dttßz:. ' The objects of the fund can only "be generally stated, since, until the amount subscribed is ascertained, it is impossible to determine the exact application of the money. A broad outline of the scheme, however, can be given. It is a Dominion fund for everv part of New Zealand,, and the general object, is to promote or .assist in the promotion of the education of the children of soldiers of the - N'ew Zealand Expeditionary Forces who have been killed or have been on active service in this war. If funds permit, "the children of members of any branch .of. His Majesty's Forces who were on active service during the Avar will be included,-; so long as the parents were domiciled, in Xew Zealand at the time of enlistment;' In administering the funds, the necessities of the child and of his or her parent or parents, and all surrounding circumstances will be taken into consideration. It is proposed to provide free places, scholarships, and bursaries at the various colleges, and to furnish an allowance in the case of each student, to enable him or her to go through with the tuition. Provided funds are available, there is also a scheme proposed to take 50 of the children of those who made the supreme sacrifice, and to put these 50 right through into their professions as architects, engineers, doctors, etc. ; the people to act in loco parentis. Four out of the 50 children would be Maoris, for surely the Maoris have a claim upon us, considering their splendid share in the fighting. " Of course," went on the doctor, " what can be done depends entirely upon the amount of money raised ; and what we want to do first of all is to get as much money as possible into the fund before June 30, when this art union closes. It is proposed to raise £IOO,OOO, and if that sum is reached, a great deal can be done with it for the children of New Zealand's heroes. Some people don't seem to want to buy art union tickets, because they object to art unions, and yet they are sympathic towards the splendid scheme of helping the soldiers' children. Yet surely there is no need for all these people to stand out, because we are accepting donations. So please tell your readers that if

they wish to help the kiddies without buying tickets they can send their cheques along to the secretary, and they will be duly acknowledged. Nothing that we can do for these youngsters is enough. Their fathers went away to the front, and died to keep New Zealand safe from the Hun. Now that the children are left fatherless, the least we can do is to look after them. It is up to every self-respecting New Zealander to put what he or she can afford into this fund, either as a donation or by purchasing tickets. One of the best plans, which a great many people have adopted, is to purchase a few tickets everv week. You never miss an odd shilling or two, and there's always the chance of winning some ot the &o,oUU worth of prizes."