THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1940 PATRIOTIC FUNDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23819, 21 November 1940, Page 8

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1940 PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Considerable confusion still exists in the public mind concerning the various patriotic appeals for funds and their objects, and as to the disposition of the money raised. .This confusion, combining with the initial suspicion aroused by the strict control enforced by the Government, does not assist those who are now making a further appeal to the public. The suspicion would have been renewed if the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council had not wisely declined the invitation of the Treasury to join forces in the council'.; current appeal and the national savings campaign. As for the confusion, the council has gone the best way about removing it, so far as its own fund is concerned, by publishing a full statement on its first year's work, showing how much money has been raised and, in informative' detail, how much has been spent and the manner of the spending. The Mayor's contention is sound. "I hold," said Sir Ernest Davis, "that the people of the province who have subscribed so liberally to our fund should be told precisely how the money raised has been spent, and acquainted with some of the benefits that have accrued to the members of our fighting forces from such expenditure." People like to see something for their money and the council has been able to make a showing that should answer many questions and some criticism.

The public may nevertheless be puzzled on learning that the provincial fund's receipts for 12 months amounted to only £40,434. "Surely," they may well exclaim, "the Auckland Province has done better than that." It certainly has done better —a. great deal better. Large sums have be<jn raised for a variety of purposes, of which the following are the chief, amounts subscribed being stated in round figures only:—

Auckland Provincial . . £40,000 Welfare appeal . . . . £21,000 Sick and Wounded . . £IOO,OOO Fighter aircraft . . . . £34,000 London Distress . . . . £41,500 These figures take no account of the response to the Lady Galway appeal and certain minor causes, and of a number of munificent private gifts. Except for the first item, all the money has gone to swell national funds. The destination of the last two items is denoted by their denomination, and it is worth noting that Herald readers subscribed £51,500 of the total of £75,500. The Welfare Appeal was launched early in the present year to-raise £IOO,OOO from the whole Dominion for the work of the Y.M.C.A. and Salvation Army among the armed forces. The result appeared to be disappointing but was more than atoned for when, in May and June, an appeal was made for a fund of £250,000 to be administered by the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society on behalf of the sick and wounded. In a remarkable effort the Auckland Province alone raised over £190,000 and the Dominion total passed £528,000. Hot on this generous outpouring came the rapid subscription in this province of £75,500 for the two British funds, giving a total of £265,500 in less than six months. The above summary has been offered to answer the questions of those who ask where all the money has gone. At the present stage the council is trying to give momentum to the provincial appeal for £250,000, of which the Auckland metropolitan area is expected to raise £127,000. As it has given the right-of-way and assistance to a succession of national appeals, the council has a specially good claim to be generously heard. After helping others, it :is Auckland's turn and privilege to help itself. Experience in the last year proves, however, that timing ig important in these matters. Money flowed in slowly from November to April, and briskly from May to October. A provincial appeal now has to compete with the national savings drive, compulsory loan instalments, tax provision against February's demands, and the approach of Christmas and the holidays. The period would not seem to be favourable for collecting a larger sum than was obtained for the sick and wounded in the fevered weeks of May and June. Such an effort calls for organisation and undivided enthusiasm, which will not readily be enlisted at this stage. The council has already defrayed heavy initial expenses, many non-recurring, and has a large balance in hand. It can afford to wait, organise and choose its time. In the meanwhile the public can be informed of what it has already accomplished, of what it aims to do, and of the need, and assured that the moneys raised in the province will be under the full control and administration of the provincial botly. Then, when the time is ripe, the people will not hesitate to financially reinforce the council for a cause of universal and compelling appeal.