PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24525, 6 February 1941, Page 2

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

COST OF ADMINISTRATION COUNCIL DENIES RUMOURS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON. Feb. 5. The Wellington Provincial Patriotic Council has sent a circular to zone secretaries denying rumours to the effect that the Government appropriates 25 per cent, of the money raised for patriotic purposes, and that the cost of administering the fund is 25 per cent, of the money collected. The rumours were referred to the National Board,* which states that all the moneys are paid either into the National Fund or to the various provincial funds, and the Government has no jurisdiction in regard to the expenditure. On the other hand, the Government meets from the Consolidated Fund the cost of salaries and the rent of the offices of the National Board, while the cost of railage of goods from one patriotic body to another is met from the War Expenses Account.

So far as the National Fund is concerned, the cost of administration amounts to only .12 per cent, of the receipts. That of the provincial funds is somewhat higher. The exact figures cannot be given pending receipt of the balance sheets, but the position is being investigated, and the question of a public statement will receive consideration when definite figures are available.