HELP FROM BOWLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16023, 15 September 1915, Page 8

HELP FROM BOWLERS.

AUCKLAND CLUB'S VIEW.

MONEY FOR PATRIOTIC FUND.

KOTOBUA SCHEME, REJECTED. A decision not to contribute towards the ) convalescent" borne for retained soldiers at j Rotorua, bat to donate special contribuj tions to be raised to the Patriotic and War Relief Association's Fond was arrived at last night by tie Auckland Bowling Club. The meeting called to consider the matter was attended by 16 members, Mr. W. E. Bush presiding. The original proposal of the bowlers of Auckland was to offer to equip Kilbrvde, ParneJl, as a convalescent home. When this was suggested to the Minister for Public Health, the Hon. G. W. Russell, however, he proposed that instead the bowlers should consider tie desirability of providing a bowlers' home for convalescent* at the Rotorua establishment. The chairman last night explained that the Auckland centre had* notified the clubs in a letter dated September 9 that it had agreed to Mr. Russell's proposal. The committee of the Auckland Club, however, had considered the matter and had come to the conclusion that the best method of assisting wounded soldiers and their dependents would be to devote its contributions to a fund which would provide additional comforta and relief beyond that which the Government had made provision for in the shape of convalescent homes. In conformity with that decision of the club's committee he moved: "That all funds subscribed by the members of the Auckland Bowling Club be handed over to the Auckland Patriotic and War Relief Association for the benefit of incapacitated | heroes and their dependents." The carrying of the resolution would not interfere j with the establishment of the Rotorua convalescent home. The Government was , pledged to equip and maintain that, whatever the bowlers might or might not do. Under the circumstances the committee felt that the Auckland Club's contributions would do =wre good if they went to the local patriotic fund than to a work the Governmert was pledged to carry oat. There was no doubt that more "money would be wanted for ♦he soldiers than would be provided by the Government in the shape of pensions. Mr. W. Elliot seconded the resolution. Mr. James Carlaw Pointed out that the Auckland Club, by adopting the motion would be standing alone amongst the clubs affiliated to the .centre. Nevertheless he supported it. Whatever they might rive towards the Rotorua home would be simnlv relieving the Government. The motion was carried unanimously, as was also a further one deciding to contribute to the fund all the club's prize money for the season together with all entrance fees for competitions, to form the nucleus of a fund to be raised and handed to the Patriotic and War Relief Association. It was further agreed to circularise members asking them individually to subscribe to the fund. Mr. Carlaw said there should t» no difficulty in thus raising £150 as the prize money and competition entrance fees would realise some £40.

LETTERS TO SOLDIERS.

COMPLAINTS OF DELAY. [BY TELF GRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington-. Tuesday. In the House of Representatives to-day Mr. G. Witty (Riccarton) complained of the unsatisfactory nature of the postal arrangements for the troops in Egypt, and read a letter from an aggrieved parent, who complained that correspondence addressed to his son had not been received. The Minister for Defence, the Hon. James Allen, said that it was sometimes difficult to follow the men, especially if they were wounded. In that case the letter had to find the man, perhaps at Gallipoli, perhaps at Alexandria, and perhaps at Malta. He repudiated the allegation that gifts had been sold in the canteen, and explained that sometimes when a soldier exchanged gift goods at the canteen they were then. sold, but not as gift goods. *