GRACIOUS GIVING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 8

GRACIOUS GIVING

The thoughtful generosity of Mr. J. R. McKenzie has added yet another to the lengthening list of New Zealanders' benefactions to their country. It is a truly splendid gift—in its magnitude, its outright making, its.associated guarantee of annual income during the donor's lifetime, its philanthropic motive, its choice of nominated beneficiaries, its provision of liberty in discretionary variation of apportionment, and its gracious bestowal. Mr. MeKenzie's heart, no less than his head and hand, is wonderfully manifest in the deed by which his gift is legally conveyed. His own emphasis on the two considerations prompting his action is happily significant. First of these is a proud gratitude for the example and influence of those that have bravely done their part, in New Zealand's first hundred years of British colonisation, to give this country an eminent name for its social advancement and the general good of its people. This realisation, founded in history, has fittingly induced the making of his gift in the centennial year. Also, in intimate relation to this urging, the inspiration of Rotary's many beneficent activities has created a desire to assist in the perpetuation of such community service. The outcome is a very notable addition to means of alleviating want and disability, in a ministry to the need of disabled soldiers and sailors, of the Plunket

Society, of ailing and delicate children, and of general charitable enterprises. Such giving is not only in itself of inestimable value ; it must add greatly to the wish and will of others to lend a hand likewise wherever humanitarian sympathy, practically expressed, is required. To Mr. McKenzie —and to Mrs. McKenzie, associated with her husband in so selfless and timely an impulse, nobly cherished and wisely given effect — the thanks of the people of New Zealand are appreciatively offered.