WAYS OF HELPING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 12

WAYS OF HELPING

Sir, —Docs "Tan" really think he is helping with his criticisms? Most of us would think that ships that must come here for men and produce would be rendered safer, and less in need of. escort, if they carried German soldiers. While 011 this subject of helping Britain, might we not give some thought to the uses mado of our Patriotic Fund? In Britain we are being shown what Nazi war means, in wrecked homes and maimed and murdered families. These horrors may continue for years and may yet spread to our own homes and families. Surely, then, the very limited funds at our disposal should be carefully husbanded for the relief of real distress. Are they being so husbanded'? Up to the middle of this month, we have been officially informed, £92,000 has been spent' and £27,00 additional has been pledged "for comforts and amenities," Can that enormous expenditure 011 luxuries, before a single case of hardship has occurred, be justified? Can people be expected to give freely from their limited means if they know that what they provide is to be spent 011 what are little better than toys,, while millions with their homes wrecked and bodies maimed are left without help? Manurewa. J. Johnstone.