THE FIGHTING SERVICES

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 23, 28 February 1940, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE FIGHTING SERVICES

: SALVATION ARMY AND Y.M.C.A. j JOINT APPEAL MADE i PAPAKURA TO RAISE £2OO In response to an invitation by (lie Mayor, Mr S. Evans, to attend an extraordinary meeting to consider howto assist to provide funds for the ; fighting services, a small gathering assembled in the Methodist hall, Papakura. last night. ; A circular sent oid to the residents slated that the object was to provide funds for the comforts, spiritual and moral well being of all fighting units. The funds to he utilised by the Salvation Army and the Y.M.G.A. through a centra] hoard in Wellington. The Mayor. Mr S. Evans, was supported by the following members of the borough, council: Messrs D. J. Graham. .1. S. de Montalk, 1. Mack, 0 B. Bryant, G. Markwiek and A. Burgess. Apologies for absence were received from the Deputy-Mayor (Mr P Montgomerie) and Mr D. McKenzie.

Supporting the Mayor was Major Adams of Ihe local Salvation Army Corps..

The Mayor said the attendance was disappointing in view of the fact that 1000 notices had been sent out. In Taranaki, where he had just visited, the appeal had been taken up with enthusiasm. Even through the recent flood their centennial celebrations held in a hall which was crowded. A sale of work was also splendidly supported. “Then I come back to. Papakura and we have only a small gathering."

Speaking of the boys who are going away the Mayor said feelingly: “They are making a great sacrifice and it is up to those who stay behind to do their part." He instanced a case in point when he was travelling in a service car to New Plymouth. ”A son came to say good-bye to his mother, and the mother said to a friend in the car. T wonder if lliey'll take him: he lias enlisted.’ ’Why won’t they take him?’ asked her friend. ‘Well.’ said the mother, ‘lie's got an artificial leg.' “Surely." said the Mayor, “we can provide the £.s.d. for such men.”

“I also learned in New Plymouth.” Mayor continued, “of a man who was wounded in the last war. Me. with a friend, at a certain time of the day had one glass of refreshment. Every day for it years, yet one day the man said. M don’t think 4 can go in today they’ll think I’m drunk. I’ve lost control of my legs.’ This man went home and he has been there on his bed ever since with paralysis. When we think of these sacrifices which I have learnt in 14 days' holiday cannot we do our share in supporting and recognising the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and Y.M.G.A.?” The chairman made a statement to the effect that £5 subscribed to the Church Army. Catholic or other denominations would be earmarked and spent by such organisation. The Mayor’s statement was cor- •* >d !>v Major Adams of the Salvation Army who stated that money could only be allocated to either the Salvation Army or the Y.M.G.A. and spent as it was allocated. Mr Evans continuing, said: “New Zealand will want considerably more than £IOO.OOO before the war is finished and we ought to help the Government who has asked us to help the hoys at the front. All money will have to be paid into the town clerk, Mr A. L. Cooper.” The Mayor announced that the council had given permission to the fighting services to hold a street collection on March 15.

Major Adams, of the local Salvation Army Corps, said he had been considerably heartened to hear of the enthusiasm in Manurewa and Papakura for winning the war; also he said tli Women’s Division had promised very fine support in these areas. Then with regard to the mobile canteen, il was a valuable adjunct, which could be rushed hither and thither where rc-cfuired. The Major instanced one way of raising money and that was by small boroughs issuing a challenge against each other in certain districts as to who could raise the most money. The present position was that something must be done. He gave startling facts about soldiers on leave. “The position is.” tie said, “that people are crying that something he done, to give the soldiers a chance of livimr under decent circumstances. In the last war men came out of the trendies in mud and blood saying to Hell with llii- Government : we're fed up.” said 111 < Major. "I" 11 vvilh a cup of hot tea readv and a turn and someone to care for them, they were ready to shout Mlule Brit la ilia.’ (Hear. hear). “Let us not lie slack, lull provide a real welcome to our boys at the front, or wherever they may be.” Major Adams, continuing, expressed the opinion that the district might raise £2.00. By self-denial the Army ,trendy raised £IOO. He was sure it could be achieved by God’s grace and the right touch of holiness. The Mayor said he thought £2OO woTild he within the mark.

It was then moved by Mr D. .1. Graham. seconded by Mr .1. S. de Montalk. that Papakura endeavour to raise £2OO to help the joint appeal of the Salvation Army and Y.M.G.A. for funds foi the fighting services welfare appeal. This was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr D. .1. Graham, seconded by Mr A. Burgess, the Mayor. Mr S. Evans, was appointed chairman of committee, Mr J. H. Cameron secretary. and Mr Ron Cooper treasurer. The Mayor said he would do all he possibly could and hoped he could rely on Ihe wholehearted supporl of residents of the district. He suggested that the area lie the same as Zone l>. but Major Adams rose to say that his instructions were that the Sat vat inn Army boundaries In* used. These extend from Redoubt road a! XViri. Manurewa. Takanini lo Runciman across to Kingseat. Ararimu. Hunua and Glevedon. The Mayor said lie saw difficulties about including Manurewa. It was now a borough and in the Metropolitan area as far as the patriotic committees were concerned. “Of course,” said Mr Evans, "we can only guaranlee the borough area at this meeting." The meeting adopted the Mayor's suggestion to make the appeal in the Franklin Zone D districts.. They are Papakura, Hunua. Ponga, Opaheke. part of Ardmore, Karaka, Ararimu, Paparimu. Drury. Runciman and Ramarama. Those present were formed into a central committee and other sub-com-mil lees will tie formed later. The Mayor in speaking of the correct area to lie canvassed made this point. He said all centennial celebration committees were made patriotic committees and that being so lo make the area the Zone D one he felt was the right course to pursue.

Mr Cooper, the town clerk, was the official treasurer. and all sums of money collected must be paid to him. The Papakura borough was divided into nine areas for the purpose ot canvassing: nine persons were elected to be In charge of their respective disi.* • i«* Is.