MANAWATU PATRIOTIC SOCIETY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6633, 12 June 1928, Page 9

MANAWATU PATRIOTIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Manawatu Patriotic Society to be presented at the meeting to-night, states, inter-alia; The executive of the Society has consisted of the following gentlemen during the past year: —Messrs A. J. Graham (chairman), J. A. Nash M.P., B. J. Jacobs, F. J Nathan, N. Blackmoro, J. H. Stevens, T. B. Hoddcr, J. Linklater, M.P., J. M. Johnston, Dr. H, H. Bctt, O. Monrad, H. N. Cooke, A. Matheson, and T. E. French, and all of these gentlemen have maintained a keen interest in the work of the Society. Mr J. Blackwood (treasurer), has signified his willingness to accept re-election, if so desired, as also has Mr B. Davis, the Society’s auditor. Before closing this portion of the report, I cannot help remarking upon the increased number of members of the public who bring before the Society cases which they consider, merit assistance. 1 desire to repeat, that all cases, so brought before the Society, will be carefully investigated and will receive the appropriate measure of relief. , . Dependent’s Relief. Following the usual practice of the Society, the cases of all dependents receiving assistance from tho Society, were reviewed by the chairman of the distribution committee. Some small adjustments were made in this respect. In all, during the past year, £768 14s. was distributed to dependents, compared with £779 11s. last year. We have at present, under consideration, further applications, and it certainly appears that, during the coming year, the payments under this heading will increase to some extent.

In respect to dependents’ relief, I would again draw your attention to the faetThat some people do not understand that the work of the Society applies to dependents as well as to ex-service non themselves, and any advice that given to the society in cases of dependents requiring assistance, will be as gladly welcomed as those relating to ex-service men, the policy of the Society being to approach the individual wherever possible, x-ather than the individual apply to the Society. Special Liability Fund. With the passing of time, it is only natural that the payments which have always been allocated to this fund, should bo of a decreasing amount and it is suggested that this fund be discontinued, at any rate under this particular heading, and that it, and what is known as the -recurring case fund, be administered- as one. Recurring Case Fund. Peculiarly enough, under the heading of recurring ease fund, the cxpeetcu substantial increase during the year, did not take place. This is a matter for congratulation, not from the Society’s hnancial point of view, but as an indication that the nature of the recurrence of disability has not been so serious At the present time, however, 1 regret , to say, that we have several bad cases of recurrence, which are receiving attention, it is in regard to the administration of this department of the Society’s affairs, particularly, that there has to be a modilication of the principles laid down for assistance. The committee, in consideration of all ■these cases, has followed the general practice of giving assistance wherevor the need existed. Affiliated Societies. As is naturally to bo expected, this activity of the Society still continues, and undoubtedly will continue so long as Patriotic funds arc being administered in Hew Zealand. Other societies ■ too, dealt with numerous applications on our behalf. Of the amount spent during the year under this heading, £365 5s Bd., £224 14s 9d. nas been refunded. This report cannot be concluded without reference to the very valuable assistance which has been rendered during the past year in various ways,.thus enabling the various committees to come to decisions, in the cases concerned; the Society now desires to express its thanks and appreciation to the following —Affiliated Societies, the Press, the Pensions Department, the E.S.A., various ■ hospitals and sanitoria, the Base Records and particularly the Palmerston North office of the Defence Department, and all others who have in any way assisted the Society.