PALMERSTON SICK AND WOUNDED FUND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1088, 14 February 1918, Page 6

PALMERSTON SICK AND WOUNDED FUND.

"THE FINAL BATTLE."-

•\N APPEAL.

Mr Perry Mcllardy. chairman of the. Final Battle Campaign Committee, has issued the following appeal to the public: "It is proposed to make a. gigantic and united effort to raise a sum of _£20,000 to help the sick and wounded soldiers and the dependents of killed, sick and wounded.; For this purpose c scheme has heell devised ■which will be carried out under capable management and in a prompt, economical, and businesslike way. Meetings will be held in your district, of which due notice will be given by advertisement, when the scheme "will bo laid before the. meeting, and you wiil bo asked to give your hearty co-operation to what we consider is an imperative duly. It is not possible to circularise everyone in each district, but we are selecting a"few in each to arouse interest in this matter, and we feel certain that our appeal to you will not. be in vain. "When we consider tho enormous sacrifice the pick of our manhood are making in the cause of right, liberty, and humanity, and in the defence of our homes and freedom, it must bring home \o us how small tin 1 sacrifice of contributing a few pounds in money really is compared with theirs. We ask, we urge, we compel our young men to undergo tho horrors and hardship of war, and to face death for us. Life is as sweet to them as to us, and they leave all that makes life worth while, in order that we, and our homes and property may remain safe. Many return maimed for life, many will never return, and these lave left behind those to whom life will never be the same again. These are our special charge, and the death of their breadwinners imposes a duty on us that money can never adequately discharge. Two thousand of such maimed heroes or their dependents, in the Palmcrston district will almost certainly call upon us for assistance or support before the aftermath of this war has disappeared. Duty has called its thousands to death, but a more imperative duty lies heavily on us who remain in safety, to see that money is not wanting to relieve the maimed and the dependent. "We make no apology for appealing to you to tio your utmost to raise this sum. It is not a question of whether the Government should raise the necessary money by taxation. It is not a question whether our neighbour is doing all ho might. _ It is a solemn duty on every man to do his utmost [".a- the dependents of those who have given their lives, and for those who have, sacrificed their own interest in life that we may enjoy security and comfort. "Reasons" cannot be given why wo should not pay. and pay honourably, and handsomely, and promptly ; hut "excuses'' by scores will be made. No man may hide behind the meanness of one neighbour when he knows the generosity of ten. No one can honestly blame those who desire to raise tho money, for seeking the service of (ho best and most experienced organiser in Australasia. One who can place many hundreds of pounds worth of necessary appliances at our disposal. One who has never vet failed to raise the Mini, aimed at, nor will he now. "For more than a hundred years the hearts of Englishmen have thrilled in memory of the historic signal: "England expects that every man this day will do his duty." This signal has, a. now signification to us who must remain at home. And in memory of that signal we are calling on this district, in common with others in the Dominion, in some measure to discharge. il3 duly to ihose who call to us from, tho nnmclc-s graves of Gallipbli, and the ruins of Belgium and France. The only questions lo be asked are:Do you help or hinder relief for tho suffering .' Aro you friend or foe of the soldier? Are you an Ally or an alien'.' Do you light on the side of the Entente or of the enemy in this "Final Battle?" ' Be generous! as he has proved brave! We only ask you to spare a little from your pleasures to reward his bravery and sacrifice."' WAR OFFICE ITEMS.

'i'he 11. Q. stall' visited Awapuni Camp yesterday to enlist the co-operation of -Major Gabites, and obtained his sanction to the Band giving their services al rallies when.'" lime" tiduld be 'spafedV*

Mrs Col. Chaytor has very kindly consented to supervise the making of the colour badges of the ten armies. These will number at least 20,000, the first instalment of which will be ready in a few days.

To-day H.Q. stall' visit Longburn and Raumai. A meeting is boing held at the latter place a; 8 p.m. Mr 0. IE Warden is using the institutions of the Western District to further the 1 mobilisation of his army. The school, tin- baths, the Working Men's Club, the Soldiers' Club and the various big firms will throw in their energies. .Mr Jewell, of Rangiolu, is on the war path. The Commaiider-in-Chiel was slightly indisposed yesterday, but has his coat off to dav.

'i'he "Western Grenadiers," those residents of the western portion of Palmcrston North, are invited to attend a meeting to be held in the Social Hall of the Soldiers' Club in Cuba street, on Monday evening at 8 o'clock, to organise a plan, of campaign in connection with the efforts of the "Final Battle Campaign" in raising money for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund.

Tii" final flattie Advcrtsiing Committee have expressed their entire satisfaction with the liberal treatment which is being accorded by the local press. The terms are as low as the organisers have ever experienced. The rati- extend,-; to all "armies'" a,s well as headquarters work