A GENEROUS GIFT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 249, 18 September 1933, Page 2

A GENEROUS GIFT.

WRANGLE AS TO DISPOSAL

GIVER “TIRED OF WHOLE MATTER.”

Sir Macpherson Robertson, tlu! well-known Melbourne philanthropist, is concerned with criticism of the manner of spending the £IOO,OUu given by him to the State. “I am becoming tired of the whole matter,” Sir Macpherson Robertson said. “Had I known at the outset oi the wrangling that would arise out of my gift, and the worry that would be caused to the Government and myself, I would have thought twice before making it.” . . Sir Macpherson Robertson said that he had made the gift as a gesture of pride in his State. In the disposal of the gift, he was most desirous ol helping as far as possible the unemployed. He was not entirely enamoured of a proposal for a o* Youth when it was suggested to him, but later, when pressed by two gentlemen, lie consented to the proposal being included with others. At first, it was stated that £6OOO would suffice to erect the building, but, when the amount was raised to £15,000 and more, he asked the Premier to substitute an Herbarium for the Temple of Youth. The Herbarium, besides giving employment in its erection, Avon Id be of benefit, not only to \ ictoria, but to the rest of Australia He ivould not have believed a gift made M'ith the very best intentions could have resulted in bringing about so much abuse, dtstructive criticism, and Avorry.

It Avas reported on Saturday that tha Centenary Committee had been notified by the Commonwealth authorities that they Avere unable to release Sir Macpherson Robertson’s gift ol £IOO,OOO for the centenary celebrations and air race from income tax, which is reported to be in the neighbourhood of £40,000.