POPPY DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22402, 24 April 1936, Page 14

POPPY DAY

THE STREET APPEAL GOOD RESPONSE EXPECTED HELP FOR EX-SERVICEMEN One of the most worthy and universale supported of all street collections, the " Poppy Day " appeal, held each year on the Friday before Anzac Day, will he made in the city and suburbs today by the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. The appeal met with a generous response during the worst years of the depression, and with the return of better times, it is hoped that to-day's collection will receive even better support. The proceeds will be devoted to the relief of distress among ex-servicemen. The wearing of a scarlet poppy on "Poppy Day" has become almost a tradition, and is an acknowledgment of debt both to those who were killed in the war and to those who returned, many wholly or partially disabled. For several months a number of ex-service-men have been employed in the making of poppies. Approximately 150,000 have been made in Auckland this year, and of these about 50,000 will be retained in the city and the remainder sent to other centres. The organisation of the appeal will be in the hands of the Mayoress, Mrs. Ernest Davis, and a committee of ladies, the Returned Soldiers' Association and clubs, and a large number of charitable and public organisations.

The sum of £I2S6 was collected last year, and it is hoped that this amount will be exceeded in to-day's appeal.