1944 PATRIOTIC APPEAL.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 60, 3 August 1944, Page 2

1944 PATRIOTIC APPEAL.

PUBLIC MEETING. There was a representative attendance at the meeting convened by the County Chairman (Air F. J. Alonk), at the Drill Hall on Tuesday night, to consider ways and means of raising Kaikoura’s quota of £2235 in connection with the 1944 Patriotic Appeal. Air Monk said he regretted that there were not more present, but, he said, it often happened that a few people could do a lot. Apologies were received for the absence of Dr R. L. Withers, Alessrs W. H. Jackson, J. W. Anderson, E. C. Latter, H. J. Hewson, C. G. Calvert, A. J. Stubbersfield, P. Al. Kerr, Mrs P. S. liumm, Air and Airs D. Al. Ross, Air and Airs W. H. Dalzell, and representatives of the Plunket Society. Air Alonk explained that there was an amount of £1293 in hand, and the East Coast Zone had guaranteed £4OO, making a total of £1693 towards Kaikoura’s quota of £2235. The balance required is £542 but he would like the people to aim at a minimum collection of £l2OO. He referred to the improved position regarding the war, and hoped that it would not be long before our men returned. The people had done well in keeping the pennant flying at the Post Office from the inception of the campaign in connection with the National War Savings Account, bonds had been taken up fairly well, and the loans subscribed to freely. Air Monk said he felt quite sure that the objective for the appeal would be achieved. He understood that the A. and P. Association and Trotting Club intended holding a gymkhana as their effort, which should bring in a substantial sum. What he desired was suggestions from those piesent.

Airs D. Sterritt asked how the householders had responded to the previous appeal and was informed that about £3OO had been collected.

Air H. A. Fairweather enquired as to the response from the ratepayers by the voluntary rate. Air Alonk informed him that the result had been £l3OO. Air Fairweather suggested that the sam,e method should be adopted this year, believing that the ratepayers and householders would be only too glad to shoulder some of the responsibility. The Rev. H. J. Flatt said all had been pleased with the effort last year by way of direct appeal. The Chairman said if the electors subscribed only half of what had been collected the previous year it would be a good effort. If they adopted the rate system it looked as if they would need extra clerical assistance. He favoured each elector paying a minimum of 10/, which would bring in in the vicinity of £BOO. This, to his mind, would be an easy way of achieving the objective. Voluntary subscriptions would doubtless bring in the balance required. Airs G. Betten asked if the people would be circularised, or the matter just advertised. The Chairman said he would prefer a card system, and let the people pay their subscriptions direct to the bank. Air Flatt said he favoured the personal touch, and was prepared to assist in the work, and felt others would be prepared to do the same.

Mr P. S. Humm said he favoured advertising regarding the 10/ minimum. After it had been ascertained how many had subscribed, then the circulars could be followed up. He felt that the ratepayers, especially, would be relieved to know that they would not be called upon to pay a farthing rate. Air Alonk said they required £5OO by September, the end of the Patriotic Council’s year. When this sum had been attained other amounts could be carried over. Air Flatt moved that the suggestion of the Chairman that a minimum of 10/ be approved. This was seconded by Air J. W. Boyd .and carried lyIt was resolved that Mrs G. Betten and the Red Cross Committee undertake the clerical work.

Airs J. Burk suggested that the committee first advertise and that a circular be sent to the electors later. Mr J. W. Burland said the electors should receive sufficient to make voluntary subscriptions. Airs Sterritt said the ladies who conducted stalls would prefer to do without stalls as it involved a lot of work by the same people. The ladies could then confine themselves to the voluntary effort. It was decided to send out circulars after one month.

Air Burland said the people of Kaikoura were living very quietly and needed something to go to, and he favoured carrying on with a gymkhana. Afr.Barratt (President of the A. and P. Association) said the Association intended to hold a gymkhana in the latter part of December. Air L. Bray reminded the meeting that about 400 men and women in the camps went away towards the end of December, and trusted that the gymkhana would be held at an earlier date in order that these people could attend. He felt sure that by doing so the attendance and success of the gymkhana would be wonderfully improved.

Mr Bray said the Social Club of the Kaikoura branch of the N.Z. Workers’ Union had agreed to donate £lO 10/ to the Patriotic Appeal Fund. Mr J. C. Smith said they could rest assured that the bank staff would do all possible in connection with the appeal. There being no further suggestions, Air Monk thanked the'people for coming along, and felt satisfied that those present would do all possible to make the appeal a thorough success.