BUND SOLDIERS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1587, 12 June 1920, Page 5

BUND SOLDIERS.

CIjUTHA McKENZIE’S APPEAL. At yesterday’s meeting of the Manawatu Patriotic Society, a letter was reveived from Mr Clulha McKenzie (who is at present in the north of Auckland), in which he made a stirring appeal for assistance to help carry on the after-care work in connection with the blind soldiers of New Zealand. Mr McKenzie stated that Sir -A-Wirvii- Pearson Ilclcl liim. in charge of the work. At St. Dunstan’s Sir Arthur had taught the blind men new occupations and imbued them with the spirit and courage to tackle life in their new world. His plans had provided for the keeping alive of this spirit, the guiding and fathering of these men, without which much of his original work would be wasted. Therefore, he had established in England an extensive aftercare organisation in charge of a blind oliicer, and he was endeavouring to have similar organisations formed in different parts of the Empire. In Canada the Government had appointed a blind officer to take charge. In Victoria the Red Cross worked in conjunction with a blind soldiers’ committee, but in other Australian States there had been no organisation when he was there last, with the result that most of their blind soldiers had ceased work and were discontented and unhappy. Sir Arthur had asked him to take his place in New Zealand. Since his return to New Zealand he had been doing all possible to keep the fellows going, get them started in new homes and occupations, to see that the public knew of them i and bought their wares, seeing they were justly and equally treated, particularly by the Pensions Department and Patriotic Societies, making the lazy ones work, obtaining railway and tra.m concessions and other matters. The many things that had been and were being attended to had to be done in a • private capacity and lack of funds, for the work had often limited essential activities. He wanted to be able to visit the men more, and to bring them together for a yearly reunion. After traversing the work at St. Dunstan’s, Mr McKenzie said there were 24 blind soldiers at present in New Zealand, though the number would probably increase slowly. They were an unusually fine type of men. His object was to see them all comfortably housed, fully occupied, and happy in mixxd and body. He asked if the Society would contribute a portion of its funds towards a Central Blind Soldiei-s’ Fund, which had been established for their aftei* care. The objects were outlined, and it was stated it was desired to obtain £20,000 from the vai'ious Societies. The local Society’s quota would be £BOO. Mr McKenzie pointed out that his own work was purely voluntary. .Mr Nash said it was a matter that was deserving of support, and, in fact, was really a charge upon them. He thought, however, that the question should not be dealt with haphazardly by the various Societies, to devote what they thought fit. A letter should be sent to the Advisory Board, stating that this Society was very sympathetic, and calling upon them to draft a scale to include all societies and make levies. They must do their duty in the matter. The total amount held by all the Societies was £230,000, while the amount asked for was only £20,000. On the other hand, it might, be said that we were going to have a distribution of funds, and blind soldiers would get their share. There were none belonging to the district, but nevertheless, we had a duty to perform, whether they were here or GlS6Wll6rG. Mr M. Cohen heartily endorsed Mr Nash’s remarks. He stated that it was impossible to limit themselves entirely in the distribution of funds to soldiers in the Manawatu district. No returned man could possibly begrudge a grant being made. When the proper time arrived Mr Cohen said he would move a notice, if necessary, to the effect that the Society should not limit itself to the suggested £BOO, but go still further. Mr Nash moved that this Society is strongly of opinion that the Advisory Board should take the matter up, and I that they make levies upon the various Societies in New Zealand. Mr J. Strang remarked that this was a matter which might easily have been dealt with had they had the nationalisation of funds. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.