WAR FUNDS COMPLAINT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 11

WAR FUNDS COMPLAINT

RED CROSS ATTITUDE ANY INQUIRY WELCOMED Complaints made at the meeting of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council on Monday night concerning the continued collection by the New Zealand Red Cross Society of funds for the relief of the sick and wounded were considered at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society yesterday. A resolution adopted by the meeting expressed the concern of the executive committee at the innuendos and implications emanating from the meeting of the Patriotic Council under the chairmanship of the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis. It was stated that the Auckland centre executive had no knowledge of funds being collected for the Sick and Wounded Fund other than during the campaign conducted by the Auckland Provincial Committee of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand lied Cross Society,, of which committee Sir Ernest Davis was also chairman.

The resolution further pointed out that the executive would welcome an inquiry by any commission, Government or otherwise, which might be set up.

TREASURER'S STATEMENT APPEALS NOT IN ORDER [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] , " WELLINGTON, Tuesday When the Auckland telegram concerning complaints against the Hed Cross continuing to raise funds for the sick and wounded was referred to Mr. Abel, who is honorary Dominion treasurer and honorary organiser for that appeal, he said the appeal finally closed in June and no individuals or organisations or oven the Joint Council itself was in order in promoting functions or endeavouring to raise funds for the sick and wounded. Every branch had been circularised to that effect many weeks ago. Of course, Mr. Abel added, it was still legal for the Joint Council to receive direct donations to the fund, but it was definitely not in order to promote money-raising functions.