PATRIOTIC FUND APPEAL

Evening Star, Issue 23451, 16 December 1939, Page 10

PATRIOTIC FUND APPEAL

BETTER RESPONSE EXPECTED PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING .Disappointment that tther'e bail not been ■ a greater response to the local’ appeal for funds for patriotic purposes was expressed by the mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) at yesterday.,, afternoon’s meeting of the Otago-Provincial Patriotic Council, but it was stated that, there was no cause for pessimism, for once the public were impressed with the urgency of the appeal, it was felt there would be a much better response. The meeting made some provision for comforts for soldiers in Burnham camp during the Christmas period by way pt a grant to the, Canterbury Council. The mayor presided, and there were also present fir W. Newlarids and Messrs F. W. Mitchell, E. C. Hazlett, Arthur Barnett, W, Begg, J. M. White, W. G. Kindley, H. M'Dowell Smith, and H. L. Gibson. The Mayor said that since the last meeting of the council he had sent out up to 150 letters, and he felt it was disappointing that they had not had a greater response from many of their business friends, whom he knew would subscribe in due course. His Worship said they did not want their fund to be competing with the national fund, but if tney were to do their fair share here he thought that branches of banks and insurance companies trading hero should spread their contributions. over the Dominion. _ The banks and insurance companies had shareholders throughout the Dominion, and reaped their income from the trader throughout New Zealand. He thought there would have been a better response by now.

Mr Kindi ey said that there was a general feeling among the community that since no troops had left these shores to any marked degree, they failed to see why an appeal should be made so early. There would be a greater readiness to subscribe if it were realised that money was being put aside to meet the needs of soldiers on theii return.

Mr Allen declared that it was premature to talk about the needs of men returning after the war at this stage, and he did not think it would be pleasing to the Government. It should be remarked that at the present time there were men from New Zealand overseas, and half of the complement of the Achilles were New Zealanders. There was a need for the provision of comforts and amenities for the men in camp, and out of their funds, if they could afford it, to make some contributions to the National Board funds. Mr Gibson said it was possible that letters in connection with the appeal had not yet been dealt with by firms, and he felt certain they had the business men behind them 100 per cent. He did not think they would have cause in the future to worry about a shortage of funds. . . . “ There is no need to be pessimistic, said Mr Mitchell, who added that he felt sure that after the holidays there would be a good response. It was decided to organise flag day appeals throughout Otago the week from February 5 to 10 (inclusive), each district to select its own day. It was resolved to grant £IOO to the Canterbury Provincial Council for the [provision of comforts for men in the Burnham camp. . . It was left to the mayor to investigate what was required in connection with the provision of comforts for men in camp at Taieri. The Mayor thought they should express to the Government the disappointment felt hv the women of the city and the country at the lack of opportunity to make garments for the soldiers due to lack of material His suggestion was agreed to that the Government be asked if material could be bought locally, the Provincial Council then to provide sizes, patterns,, etc., for socks and pyjamas.