PATRIOTIC FUNDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23760, 13 September 1940, Page 9

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

CALLS TO BE MET OUTLINE BY LORD GALWAY ADDRESS TO SECRETARIES [itv TELEGRAPH —I'll ESS ASSOCIATION*] WELr, IXGTON, Thursday Opening the conference of secretaries of the Provincial Patriotic Councils, the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, referred particularly to the part to be played by the provincial councils in assisting in' the rehabilitation of men of the forces oil their discharge, and the funds which would be required for this purpose, which is one of the main matters to be discussed.

Referring to the public response to appeals for funds, His Excellency said that, in particular, the way the Sick, Wounded and Distress Fund had been supported exceeded the early anticipations of the most sanguine. There had been a very good response to appeals for funds to provide comforts for the troops, and that had enabled a great deal to be done in the camps and for the echelons as they went overseas. There were some people, however, who thought the National Patriotic Fund Board was amassing vast sums of money, hut he could assure them that was not the case. Jn addition to providing comforts. the money had been used to build recreation huts at the camps, and improve generally the amenities available at the camps.

Lord Ca 1 way said that, as the new camp at Waiouru was a long way from any centre, it would be absolutely essential to provide recreational facilities from the funds for that camp. That was an instance of the many calls on the funds. The large amount raised by the Order of St. John and the Bed Cross Society was not, as some people contended, dead money. It would all be utilised. As time went on, His Excellency continued, and the sick and wounded began to return, it would be essential for the patriotic and Red Cross organisations to work in very close harmony. The Bed Cross was a little apt in the provinces to get rather out of touch with the centre, and, he thought, with the provincial patriotic council of the district. He thought the matter should be looked at from the bigger point of view and a close working relationship established. Lord Galwav referred to the work done by the Ladv Galwav Patriotic Guild in collecting, sorting and packing clothing for refugees and homeless people-abroad, and expressed the hope that the delegates to the Conference would be able to visit the guild's headquarters at Government House and see the work being done there by an admirable band of ladies.

ANZAC WAR RELIEF FUND 1000 DOLLARS FROM AMERICA [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Thursday The New Zealand Society in New York, of which Miss May Johnson is president, has united with the Australian Society to establish an Anzac War Relief Fund, to which donations have been invited. Advice of an initial contribution of 1000 dollars from this fund to the National Patriotic Fund in New Zealand has been received by the Governor-General, Viscount Gal way.