NATIONAL WAR FUNDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19015, 10 November 1923, Page 15

NATIONAL WAR FUNDS.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. T*bb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 9. At a meeting of the National War Funds Council, Sir John Luke presiding, matters in connection with the Auckland Red Cross ermpaign in the Otamata and Hobson counties have reached finality, ami a local account for relief and the assistance of soldiers and their dependents has been opened at Paparoa. Arrangements were entered into providing for the reconstruction of the Alaori trustees War Fund nt Gisborne and the recovery of moneys invested in the Taratahi farm property to Uio Wairarapa War Relief Association. . 'lhe arrangement entered into with tho Taranaki War Relief Association in connection with general relief for soldiers and their dependents was endorsed. 'the financial arrangement was approved in connection with the maintenance of hutments and other buildings used by the British Red Cross and the Order of St. John incorporated in hospitals and sanatoria in vho dominion. Consideration was given to the question of tho treatment of ex-aoldicrs claiming to stiff <sr war disability whose applications had been declined by the Pensions Deportment, and the recommendation of the General Executive in connection therewith wax approved. Arrangements are being devised whereby sympathetic assistance will be granted by (he Provincial War Relief Associations where such cases exist at present. Provision was made for the establishment of o. small imprest account in London to meet urgent cases of distress whore ex-New Zealanders are concerned when the conera! patriotic funds at present there are withdrawn. The validation of certain overseas payments and the adjustment of alt balances with the High Commissioner and tho Treasury was directed to be undertaken with the co-operation of the department s officers. _ . Consideration of the affairs of the South Canterbury Returned Solciiersl- Association Club Fund and the disposal of the balances of the funds raised by the various church denominations was referred to the General Executive for further inquiry and action. The report of the General Committee was received and adopted, the principal items of administration concerned being in regard to assistance to soldiers and their dependents, relief to Imperial and overseas soldiers. loans to soliders, educational grants to ex-soldiers, loans to solthers and their dependents, the provision of extra comforts and recreation in hospitals and sanatoria, the disposal of buildings no longer needed for the soldiers’ use. and a reduction of tho active war fund societies. An interim statement of accounts covering the transactions of the council for the year ended September 30 was submitted, together with a financial statement covering the position of the imprest accounts at. Westport. Hokitika, Foxton, M anganui (Western Alaori), Wellington (Central Maori), and the Public Service Officers’ Fond.