Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY,'SEPTEMBER 19, 1940. PATRIOTIC APPEALS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 September 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY,'SEPTEMBER 19, 1940. PATRIOTIC APPEALS.

sacrifices for the Empire cause, made by Overseas peom. pie, were referred to in the House in , of Lords, this week, by .Lord id Caldecote (Secretary for the Dominions) who made graceful—and well-deserved— acknowledgement of the aid ; forthcoming, not only of men and material, but in the acceptance of financial burdens and economic policies causing considerable strain. It is true that the actual fighting, in Britain and elsewhere, is as much defence of Overseas as of the Homeland, and therefore it is commonsense for the Dominions to give -of their best, but.the conflict is a long way off, and distance might have lent narrowness to the views taken by Overseas. One development that also deserves praise, is the generous manner in which donations have been given in response to many patriotic appeals, with special tri- ' bute to the collectors, who, often at physical inconvenience, have patiently gathered proceeds for the good, cause. Money has poured in, and the result has been gratifying to all. concerned. The Red E Cross and St. John asked for £250,000, and were given more ■ than double the amount. The various provincial appeals have been • supported with similar generosity, , and large sums'are now in hand, > available as needed. None ques- . tions the extent of present and probable requirements, and, equal- i ly, none questions but that the ' need will be met, as far as is with-

in the public’s means. There is a danger that the success, hitherto, of the many appeals, may tempt some to be ovepzeaJous in their demands on the public. It must not be overlooked that the power to contribute voluntarily has been restricted by the compulsory .taxation for war purposes, not to mention the individual effects of the higher cost of most commodities and. services. Moreover, there are the non-wari charities, which have claims to public support, and which should not be sacrificed in the competition for donations. It is realised! that giving for patriotic funds must continue until peace returns, and as that day is not’in sight, ft is wise to lay plans for ; eollectijng on. a comprehensive scale. Care must be,taken, how- ; ever, tio retain a sense of proportion. .. T

It is announced that the provincial councils of the Patriotic Fund Board, are soon to launch a campaign to collect one million pouwds? additional to that already harvested. This is a huge sum, and

the only excuse for such a grandiose scheme is the worthiness of the cause. That generous support will be forthcoming is certain,, and the more the evidence produced that so much money is really required, the easier will be its cob lection. Ability to contribute will rule the desire to give., It is this ability which is the real factor of importance, and should always be given adequate consideration by those promoting appeals. The lie realise it is a duty to give “until it hurts, ’ ’ and still keep on giving, but advantage should not be taken of this willingness to respond.