NATIONAL WAR FUNDS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 6

NATIONAL WAR FUNDS

MEETINC OF COUNCIL MATTERS OF DOMINION INTEREST CONSIDERED. GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE. The National War Funds Council met at Parliamentary Buildings on Thursday last under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister for Internal Affairs (Mr Downio Stewart). The following members were present:— Messrs J.-H. Gunson, C.M.G., Mayor of Auckland; V. J. Larner, Auckland; E. H. Williams, Hastings; L. O. H. Tripp, W. E. Bethune, James Pow, Wellington; Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, jM.L.C , Nelson; Messrs Henry Holland, Christchurch ; J. J. Clark, Dunedin; and S'ir John Luke, Kt., chairman of tho executive committee, Wellington. Messrs James Hislop, Under-Secre-tary of Internal Affairs, and Mr H. J. Farrant, secretary of the Southland War Funds Council, were also present at the wish of the council. Apologies were received from Messrs J. Gilkison, Southland, Mr R. J. F. Aldrich, Wellington, and Mr Hugh Morrison, »Wairarapa, who were detained by previous engagements. The proceedings of the previous halfyear were reviewed in connection with the report and supporting statements of the executive committee and appreciation of the excellent work done was recorded. A unanimous vote of thanks to the committee was carried. CLOSING OF FUNDS.

A report was submitted regarding the application of the policy 6et out in connection with the closing of several funds and centralising them in the provincial districts. It showed that of 983 funds operating at Armistice time, only 41 (approximately) would remain at March 31st next. There has been no coercion whatever in the manner in which the large number of societies have been gathered in to the central funds and in every case the arrangements made have been the result of tactful negotiations which have been appreciated when it becomes' clear to local committees that centralisation and a share of the central funds is a distinct local and financial advantage, and that, beyond question, the suggestion of confiscation by the Government is nothing but a bogey.

Individual evidence of the great advantage of centralisation was given, and the secretary (Mr George Davies) was directed to pursue the tactful policy he had been so successfully engaged in. Several cases of unauthorised detention of funds and disregard of the provisions of the War Funds Act were reviewed, and the council unanimously decided that the provisions of the Act be enforced without exception. The services of the Internal Affairs Department were invoked in this direction. The position of the affairs of the Taranaki War Relief Association received close consideration at the hands of the council, and the executive and Secretary were requested to enter into personal discussion of the disputed points with representatives of the Taranaki organisation. It was felt that in the interests of the soldiers, especially those who may he necessitous, a final attempt should be made to bring the operations of the society into conformance with the Act, and allow it to continue the functions for which it was established. MAORI FUNDS.

The centralisation of Maori Funds received attention at the hands of the council, and the question of entering into a working arrangement with the Maori trustees, Gisborne, w - as referred to the executive to deal with on the receipt of a report now being prepared in the district. The central and west coast Maoris have already pooled their funds for the benefit of the natives, and have set up advisory boards to the council, and the northern and southern moneys are expected to be paid to the council by March 31st : ' next. This is looked upon as a direct advancement in policy, which will enable the Maori soldier and his dependants to be provided for so long as assistance may be necessary. Loans and direct assistance were granted to certain societies whose liquid funds had been disbursed, with a view to setting up of a general system of uniformity in the_ granting of relief to soldiers and their dependants, and a general policy was approved for the guidance of the executive committee, to whom power was given to act during the period between general meetings. This action secures relief and assistance to any soldier of the N.Z.E.F. who may be in necessitous circumstances, no matter where he may be situated. SOLDIERS’ HOME. An application to establish a soldiers’ home in tho Auckland province was given careful consideration, and the Hon. Minister for Internal Affairs was requested to refuse permission to collect moneys for the purpose on the ground that such a home would not serve a good and lasting purpose, and that there was no evidence of any need for it.

The investments of the council, which nre in a reasonably liquid state and have been placed advantageously both from the point of security and earning capacity, were reviewed. The position was certified by the council’s accountants, and appreciation expressed as to the care exercised by the executive committee in placing the investments. Audited state of accounts were presented 1 , accompanied by the certificate of Messrs Watkins, Hull, Hunt, and Wheeler, of Wellington, and were ordered to be printed. The appointment of Mr W. E. Bethune as financial member of the xeoutive gave special satisfaction to the general members of the council outside Wellington. It was agreed that the system inaugurated in dealing with the council’s financial matters was of a sound nature. It was noted that as a result of the efforts of the executive the cost of extra comforts in hospitals and sanatoria had been placed on a satisfactory basis, and provision was made regarding the removal of minor difficulties at present experienced in connection with the Cashmere and Pukeora SanatoAllowances made to Imperial soldiers during the half-year reached £648 9» on increase of approximately 20 per cent, over the previous period, due largely to the state of unemployment existent during the period n which large numbers of these men arrived in the Dominion. Bursars have been provided for on the liberal scale adopted in 1917, and it was gratifying to know that the measure of success of the scheme was large. The last of the bursars would in the ordinary course complete his TTnivorsitV loourse iat the end of March. 1924. POLICY AND EFFICIENCY. Methods for the improvement of internal efficiency especially in the di-

rection of the issue of a comprehensive weekly circular to all societies covering at the same time the saving of an annual expenditure of some £SOO per annum as submitted by the executive was approved. The gain is not entirely measured by the general saving to the various patriotic so.cieties, but is expected to afford considerable assistance and information to them, thus more clearly approaching uniformity of administration throughout the Dominion. Various matters of policy, affecting the administration of war funds generally were considered, and directions issued for the guidance of the executive concerning same. Statements covering the amount of moneys still remaining in the hands of Patriotic Societies; and the investments of the council were circulated for members’ information. It was decided that the council should meet quarterly in future and circulate a report and balance-sheet for general information as at March 31st in each year. *

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman (Hon. Downie Stewart) who, it was stated, notwithstanding the stress of the past few months, had devoted considerable attention to the affairs of the council, and the executive committee which met on 16 occasions since the last meeting. The national importance and excellent work of the council was emphasised bv the speakers to the resolutions, and ' the fact that the statutory organisation held the full confidence of the Patriotic Societies and kindred organisations throughout the Dominion was recorded.