PATRIOTIC WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16097, 10 December 1915, Page 9

PATRIOTIC WORK.

ASSOCIATION'S FINANCES. WORK FOR SOLDIERS. NEW TRADES FOB DISABLED MEN. A mebtlvo of the executive of the Auckland Patriotic Association was held yesterday. Mr. George Elliot presiding. ice treasurer's statement showed that the following- -were the financial resources ol the association .- — £ s. d. Investments 130,000 0 0 Current account 200,457 8 6 Promises received ... ... 1,333 11 9 Property, approximate ... 1,035 0 0 ,Chattels, approximate ... 100 0 0 I Mortgages donated ... 725 0 0 Total ' £333,681 0 3 ! A lengthy letter was received from the Hon. A. L. Herdmac, Minister in charge of the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department, and was referred to a special committee for consideration. "In addition to the general work of assisting in finding employment for reurne soldiers in your district," wrote the Minister. " I am venturing to beg your aid in the allied task of training in new industries men who have been ren- | dered incapable of following their preI vious occupations. This subject has been accorded an important position in a report, secured by the British Local Government Board, upon the provision of employment for soldiers and sailors disabled in the war. In dealing with cases calling for this special treatment, tactful and sympathetic conversations with the disabled man to find out his bent and inclinations are regarded as a preliminary of great value." In eiving advice as to how the committee should proceed, the Minister mentions that the Government will provide free places in technical schools for disabled soldiers who prefer to obtain training there rather than be apprenticed to a private employer. Letters from three Auckland gentlemen, offering their services free in connection with the establishment of an information bureau for discharged soldiers in Queen Street, in accordance with the Mayor's suggestion, were referred to a special committee.

A letter from Mr. D. McLaren, who was engaged as an organiser of patriotic work and giving various advice as to the most effective methods of recruiting to bo adopted, was referred to the Mayor for consideration in conjunction with "his recruiting activities.

A report submitted by Mr. Elliot on behalf of the Carnival Executive stated that £200,000 had been handed to the association's treasurer, and there was £9700 in hand; £2500 was earmarked for the silver art union and £2290 for the licensed victuallers' art union. The "gross 'takings at the crowning ceremony were £1113 153, which would nay all the expenses of the carnival and leave a considerable credit balance. Land'and shares donated were estimated to T>e worth £3768 15s 9d. The 1500 collecting-boxes donated to the executive had been stored in the Town Hall.

The matter of appointing a secretary of . the association was considered, and will probauly be dealt with finally at the next meeting. It is not intended to again advertise for applicants.