PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16798, 14 March 1918, Page 7

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

QUESTION OF CONSTITUTION | POSITION OF FIT SOLDIERS. The question of contributing to regimental funds was considered by the executive of the Auckland Patriotic Association at its meeting yesterday, on a remit from the Advisory Board. The latter body recommended the adoption by all patriotic societies in New Zealand of a proposal to make monthly contributions for a Dominion remittance to the regimental funds of the New Zealand forces. The discussion was taken in committee, and later, in open meeting, tho following resolution was passed: —" That the recommendation of the Advisory Board, relating to regimental funds, be approved, and that the question of raising regimental funds be left at present 'in the hands of the Women's Patriotic League, whose appeal to tho public in this matter be endorsed." | In a statement made after the meeting' the Mayor said there appeared to be a] misconception as to the position in Auck- ( land. Ho desired to point out that the constitution of the Auckland Provincial j Patriotic and War Relief Association was. of the widest possible character, and under j its objects money could be raised and expended for any purpose whatever arising out of tho war or objects incidental thereto. Therefore, any suggestion as to widening the constitution was unnecessary. The question as to the association's operations was altogether another matter. The position was that in October, 1915, a provincial campaign was commenced for funds, and over £300,000 was'raised in tho province, exclusively and expressly as a fund for sick and wounded soldiers. There was absolutely no ambiguity as to tho terms on which the money was collected, and tho administration during tho last two years had been entirely and altogether in harmony with those terms. "it will therefore be recognised," said the Mayor, " that the fund 13 not available for any purpose other than the relief and assistance of sick and wounded soldiers and their dependants. There can be no diversion of the funds, I am sure the maintenance of this policy is the proper course, and will be heartily endorsed by donors throughout the province. The "D' fund of tho association iB held for general patriotic purposes. _ It is now reduced to about £16,000, and is not nfore than sufficient to enable the work of relieving local distress arising out of tho war, principally tho relief of the dependants of fit soldiers in camp, as well as abroad, and innumerable other claims in connection with war work to be carried out. " The work of the Women's Patriotic Leaguo," continued Mr. Gtinson, "is another interest, and represents the Dominion Gift Scheme, assistance to soldiers and dependants in various ways, such as extra comforts, and involves the expenditure of many thousands of pounds per annum. By the decision of tho Patriotic Executive to-day, the question of regimental fuifds, in which this centre is asked to co-opcrato with others, has been referred to the Women's Patriotic Leaguo to administer, the executive endorsing the present appeal to the public. The relatively small amount of the "B" fund will shortly bo exhausted, and, therefore, the reasonable conservation of it for relief work and other objects is well advised. In any case tho obligations now to be met for regimental funds, Dominion gifts, and other claims, requires that the Women's Patriotic League should receive the support of the citizens by providing tho £25,000 for which it is now appealing. This will not bo in opposition to the work of the Patriotic. Executive, and will render unnecessary an appeal which otherwise the executive would have to mako to tho public." g>