PATRIOTIC APPEAL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20863, 15 August 1942, Page 2

PATRIOTIC APPEAL

£15,000 TO RAISE WANTED NEXT MONTH RADIO COMFORTS EFFORT Gisborne people who saw last night’s Air Training Corps parade through the town and listened to the subsequent short addresses were told plainly of the position which faced them in regard to their responsibilities to the fighting men. They were told by the Mayor, Mr. N. H. Bull, that the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council, of which Gisborne was an important part, had raised so far only 46 per cent of its quota for the council's financial year. The quota was £26,000, and oniy £II,OOO had been raised to date, leaving a further £15,000 to find with only two months to go. This was one of the richest districts in the Dominion, the Mayor added, and it was at the bottom of the list in regard to the percentage of the funds raised. Mr. Chas. Matthews, chairman of the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council's executive, added his appeal for support, and congratulated the Air Training Corps on their fine showing in the parade and the Caledonian Pipe Band for its support. Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., said the boys of the Air Training Corps must have impressed everyone, and their bearing should be an inspiration to the people in support of the campaign. None could afford not to contribute, uul if we came through this struggle with no worldly possessions but retained our liberty the sacrifices made would be worth while. One of the purposes of the parade was to remind the people of the radio appeal to-night for the purpose of closing the comforts coupon campaign. This’: is one of the features of the year's activities, and much will depend on the support given to-night as to whether the East Coast provincial district will be able to fill its quota, which the Mayor said last night was hot half-way to completion yet. The radio appeal will commence at 7 o'clock to-night, and will operate from national stations, including the lccal stations. The Mayor is to speak over 2YH, while chairmen of zohe committees will deliver addresses from 2ZJ.