NATIONAL WAR FUNDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 12

NATIONAL WAR FUNDS.

THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL;

AUCKLAND VETERANS* HOME. ENDOWMENT AND ENLARGEMENT.; [BY TELK3a.U'H.-rO\VN COMtESPONDENT. J WELLINGTON. Friday'. The annual meeting oMhc National War Funds Council was held at, Parliament Building!). The Hon. W. Downio Stewart presided. Reports in connection with Hie disbursement of patriotic funds for memorial purposes were considered and the action of the executive in taking steps to ensure that patriotic moneys are-used for the purposes for which they were donated was approved. Gratification was expressed at the information that the various war funds controlled by the High Commissioner had been finalised and the balance, amounting to £8542 5s 9d, had been remitted to the council.

The report of the executive advising that the management and control of the two stations owned by the East Coast Maori Soldiers' Fund had been vested in the Native Trust Office was adopted, the opinion being that the native trustee would bo in a position to thoroughly supervise the farming operations and arrange all necessary finance. Sir John Luke reported on the negotiations carried on with iho Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association in regard to the transfer of its funds to the council. Tho action of the executive and the conditions of transfer were approved.

A memorandum from the Auckland Provincial War Relief Association in regard to the desirability of making provision for the endowment and enlargement of the Veterans' Home and suggesting that a sum of £IOO,OOO be provided for that purpose by patriotic societies was very fully discussed. It was decided to hold the matter over until the views of delegates to the Patriotic Conference to be held on June 8 can be obtained.

The report presented regarding assistance rendered to ex-Imperial soldiers was adopted, the opinion being expressed that good work was being done in tins connection, and that the men were worthy of every assistance.

Delegates from the New Zealand Red Cross Society and Order of St. John placed before the meeting their views regarding the claim made, in connection with the society's expenditure m hospitals and sanatoria on recreational purposes at one time carried on by the Y.M.C.A. War Fund. It was decided to make a payment of £4369 3s 7d in full settlement, the society to accept responsibility for all future services. This the delegates accepted.

The accumulated fund now stands at £115,562 Is 7d, and the trust funds at £6729 14s Bd.