Widening Appeal For McGregor Fund

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 4

Widening Appeal For McGregor Fund

AIR PAGEANT AND CANVASS ARRANGED Expressing gratefulness at the largenoss of the gathering, the Mayor referred to the opinion that had been expressed that Palmerston North had been backward in not doing something previously. He wanted to explain that on the night of Squadron-Leader McGregor's funeral a meeting was held in Palmerston North to consider the matter of a national tribute and quite a number of citizens and others were present. It was arranged to start a national appeal through tho Mayors of the various cities and boroughs. At the same time he was asked to get in touch w'ith tho Prime Minister through Mr. J. Hodgens, MJ 3 ., and advice was received that tho Government was sympathetic and prepared to consider the matter at the proper time after an appeal had been made to the citizens of the Dominion. Then, unknown to tho Palmerston North committee, anothor meeting was held in Wellington and the announcement made that an appeal of a Dominion-wide nature was being made through the Press. This action in Wellington confused the Palmerston North effort. However, negotiations were opened up with the Wellington committee, Palmerston North meanwhile holding up its endeavour. Finally it was decided to get behind the Wellington effort. Mr. Mansford also statod that there was some misconception as to tho form tho tribute would take. Some thought it would take the shape of a tablet but that was not the idea of those controlling the fund. What they wanted was as much, money as possible to be invested for tho benefit of Mrs. McGregor and her children. Mr. Mansford announced the receipt of £5 5s from Mr. S. Austin and* £5 from Mrs. T. R. Moore. He also stated that the Scottish Socioty would be donating its ingleside proceeds to the fund. As far as the future was concerned, there were two possible ways of raising funds. One was by means of an air pageant and another was by means of a canvass for donations. He did not think there was a more worthy appeal. Funds would have to bo in by tho end of tho month. Mr. H. E. Edmunds stated the Aero Club was trying to arrange a pageant for next Sunday and quite a large number of planes would be present. The Mayor said the difficulty of a Sunday was that no charge could be made. Mr. Edmunds said it was done in Christchurch. Mr. J. A. Nash said an active canvass would raise quite a lot of money. He said the Manawatu Bonding Centre would be donating 'three guineas. Mr. F. Jackson said he, Mr. D. Srnillio and Mr. K. Chamberlain would canvass Rangitikei street. Mr. Nash and Mr. G. I. McGregor offered to take Broadway and the northern side of the Square; Mr. and Mrs. R. Davis, the western side; Mr. A. Clark, the southern side; Messrs R. L. C. Aitchison and W. H. Brown, the eastern side; Messrs L. H. Collinson and Edmunds, Main street west; Mr. A. A. Langley, George street; Mr. It. Davis, Queen street; Mrs, Mansford and Mrs. Mouldey, Main street east. All lists are to be returned by Saturday, March 28. Mr. Smillie said Madge Bros, were prepared to donate the whole of the bus fares they received on the pageant Sunday for taking the public out to the ’drome, to the fund. A suggestion -was made that business firms should circulate lists amongst the members of their staffs. It was decided to confine any canvass outside the confines of the business area, to a selected list. ' Mr. J. R. Hardie was appointed treasurer. Endeavours are to be made to run a Sunday night picture entertainment. Miss Eldrcd said she would bo pleased to stage an afternoon concert so that tho children could help. ' Mr. Edmunds said “Mac” had been tho idol of the children and he was of opinion that a subscription list' sent through the schools would bear good fruit. The matter was left with Mr. W. B. Tennent to arrange with the. headmasters.