PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17571, 9 September 1920, Page 5

PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION.

ASSISTANCE TO DISABLEI

The executive of the Auckland Patriotdo l and War Belief Association met yesterday afternoon, the president, Mr. J. H. Gunson, occupying the chair. There were also present : Messrs. V. J. Lamer, -W. Spragg, A. S. Bankart, H. D. Heather, A. J. Entrican, E. Phelan, C. J. Tunks, G. Elliot, F. J. Ewen, and N. A Nathan. The Permanently . Disabled Soldiers' Committee reported that during the last month «t had granted assistance to 20 applicants, -while a number of applications had been declined. The total disbursed in the period -was £3111, principally for assistance in the acquisition of houses or | other properties. Among those helped were cases referred from several of the branches. During the last month the Claims Board reported it had dealt -with 337 applications, a slight reduction upon the previous month. Temporary assistance was voted, totalling £1385. The board had found it necessary to decline further assistance to a number of the applicants who had now ceased to suffer war disabilities, and whose applications were based upon conditions of hardship arising out of domestic and civil life responsibilities alone. The board was unable to render any assistance to these, as they did not come within the objects for which the funds were raised, and were being disbursed. On the other hand there were some applicants who were suffering a re- ] turn of war disability, after a lengthy period in civilian occupation. The work of the branches was being steadily maintained. . Reporting upon the North Kaipara Patriotic Society's funds, the president stated that he had received a call from the chairman, Mr. C. H. Jenkins. Matakohe, at the time of the provincial appeal, subscribed about £5000 to the provinc'al fund, and subsequently raised £2000. which it had administered as a separate fund. Mr. Gunson said he had not visited this centre at the time of the provincial amalgamation, otherwise there was no doubt the Auckland Association would have established a branch there. He was of opinion that nothing could be gained by Matakohe now merging with the Auckland Association. He therefore recommended that it be asked to retain the balance of its fund, and continue the care of soldiers in the small area under its jurisdiction ; also that the Auckland Association continue to assist any permanently disabled men from the Matakohe district. The president's recommendations were adopted.