THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15684, 11 August 1914, Page 6

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

Throughout New Zealand all loyal citizens have turned instinctively to the task of aiding the Government, in equipping and providing for the expeditionary forces and to the no less pressing duty of alleviating hardship and suffering arising from the effects of war. There is no district , in the Dominion where this j. admirable spirit is not strongly i present, the great cities and the smaller country centres rivalling one another in eager display of willing patriotism. Auckland has inaugurated !; a movement which promises to be worthy of the largest city and greatest province and for which the Herald solicits the quick ungrudging support of every man, woman, and child. The Auckland Patriotic Fund—as the "funds" of every other city and centre— being formed to promote a national purpose and is to bo expended in no narrow and parochial manner. The better equipment and greater comfort of the expeditionary force, provision for dependents affected by their absence and the innumerable calls of a patriotic character to which every citizen wishes to respond, but which can only be dealt with at great aggregate cost, will thus be provided for. The representative character of the committee formed in Auckland gives it standing essential to its work and responsibilities and to it may safely and confidently be entrusted the administration and disposal of all the money which can be raised in Auckland. Few can go to the war, but almost all can give—and many can give freely to lighten the sacrifice of our soldiers and to prevent the burdensomo results of war from crushing their fellow-citizens. In New Zea-' land we have had long years of peace ' and prosperity, following Upon long generations of immunity from foreign danger, thanks to the great Empire within which wo dwell. Evon now, thanks to the soldiers and sailors of the Empire and thanks to the spirit that breathes in our own New Zealand youth and inspires our expeditionary force, tho shadow of war falls only from afar. From all that we have to be grateful for ancl in appreciation of those who otter more than gold and risk more than for- j

tune; and,-in sympathy for those who are threatened with want and destitution through a war in which every loyal citizen has a share; the people of Auckland should give generously and give quickly to the Patriotic Fund. Every man and woman who understands the situation should go out of the way to convince others of their duty in this respect. When the government taxes there is no distinction of raotivo; but in the Patriotic Fund will be the gifts that come from overflowing hearts. Every contribution will be needed : "lie, gives twice who gives quickly." In order to facilitate the prompt and general remittance of patriotic subscriptions a Herald Patriotic Fund is being opened as an auxiliary to the Auckland fund and will be found referred to in another column.