Whangarei Responds Patriotically

Northern Advocate, 15 August 1942, Page 2

Whangarei Responds Patriotically

The opinion of those concerned with Whangarei’s patriotic' effort during the current week is that the visit of the R.N.Z.A.F. band was largely responsible for the greater part of the moneys raised so far. The secretary-treasurer of the Whangarei Patriotic Committee (Mr. L. O. Hall) stated today that from street collections made on the Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, when the band paraded in the main streets, £lOl/7/4 was raised. The public gave readily, showering money into flags taken through the crowd while the band was parading. From the two concerts £l5O/2/9 was raised, while in spite of bad weather a record crowd at the Air Force ball added £llO to the total. To the total amount raised must be added the value of Comforts Coupons sold while the band was in Whangarei. The band’s presence again was largely responsible for the sale of £9B/12/7 worth of coupons during this period.

The total amount derived from the visit was £460/2/8. Aims for £2OOO

Since the start of the campaign on August 3 Whangarei has paid, up to last night, £1689/13/- to the provincial fund. It is believed that from the Prisoners of War Appeal in progress today and from Army Day on Monday, including Monday night’s concert, Whangarei will bring the total to £2OOO. At the present time 2060 Comforts Coupons have been purchased in Whangarei. A wireless announcement made on Thursday night stated that Whangarei led the provincial towns in the sale of coupons. On Wednesday night it was stated that Northland’s pay-in of £758 topped the provincial donations. Although every effort has been made to promote Northland’s effort, it was yesterday announced that the £470 raised since then has been beaten by Rotorua and Franklin with .£SOO each. Navy Day at Whangarei

With fine weather to assist them, collectors were abroad early in Whangarei yesterday, selling Navy Day flags. Comfort coupons were also on sale and considerable proceeds were netted by these. Street entertainments were held in the afternoon, a number of well-known and popular entertainers drawing a large crowd in the main streets. A fair-sized crowd had collected before 3 o’clock when the concert started. Dancing, singing, and items on the piano brought forth a good response from the audience. Money collected rapidly in a large flag spread on the pavement and a good sum resulted from the appeal. The proceeds from yesterday’s collection will be devoted towards comtorts for the Navy.