TASK COMPLETED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26078, 15 February 1946, Page 6

TASK COMPLETED

DUNEBIN-ST. KILDA PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE FINAL MEETING HELD I - “Profound thankfulness that war has‘ended, and that in consequence there is no longer need for our organisation, must fill the hearts of all, as we meet to-day to give account o' our stewardship, and formally terminate our activities,” said Mr W. R. Sinclair, chairman of the Dunedin-@t. Kilda Sub-zone Patriotic Committee, proposing the adoption of the annual report at the final meeting of the committee held yesterday afternoon. “All will share the fervent hope that as the result of the United Nations Organisation’s efforts to bring in a new era of peaceful co-operation amongst the nations there will never again be such need,” Mr Sinclair continued. At the close of their effort, he said, all members of the committee would agree that it had been a privilege to have had a part in ministering to the comfort of the fighting forces. Mr A. C. Cameron, seconding the motion, expressed gratification that money had been given so generously and the response at all times had always been excellent. The Mayor (Mr D. C. Cameron), as chairman of the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council, thanked the committee for its work, and expressed appreciation to all who had assisted. He congratulated Mr Sinclair and the committee on the results they had achieved. Mrs T. D. Christensen and Messrs W. G. Young, A. E. Russell, and J. Caldwell also spoke. The annual report stated that the

work of gathering the committee’s quota in 1945 demanded less effort than l was required in any previous year. The quota had been reduced from £42,000 to £38,000; a substantial surplus was carried forward from 1944; the public recognised its obligations, to the troops; and money was not scarce. The result was that only a few special efforts were necessary to supplement the generous donations by business firms, the Dunedin City Council, the Dunedin Savings Bank, and private subscribers. Within three months the total amount required was in sight, and subsequent donations brought the collection to £42,000, being £4OOO more than the amount aimed at. The surplus carried forward from the previous year made the total £51,463 19s 4d. The special efforts were wonderfully well organised and . highly successful. Over the four years the zone was asked to collect £220,831. The committee might feel reasonably proud of the fact that the amount collected, £237,172, was £16,341 in excess of that. Members of the original committee, many of whom served throughout the whole period, were entitled to great credit for the' arduous work they did in the early stages and the excellent plan of the general campaign, which made each successive year easier, the report continued. Mr A. C. Cameron headed this band, and for two strenuous years was a tireless and spirited leader. He had the valued co-operation of Mr I. S. Cantrell, honorary treasurer, whose long association with patriotic and community efforts would challenge comparison throughout the Dominion. The committee had been fortunate, too, in that its efficient secretary, Mr R. D. Stewart, had served throughout the four years. For the success of its campaigns the committee was greatly indebted to its honorary publicity officers, Mr W. G. Young and his successor, Mr L. H. Frude. The organising of the collection from retailers each year was a man-size' task, and, a special tribute was due to Mr James Caldwell for this signal service. Appreciation of the services of the ladies on the committee would be cordially endorsed. The report and balance sheet were adopted. ' Before the conclusion of the meeting, the Mayor handed Mr I. S. Cantrell a presentation for his wife which had been given by their friends in recognition of Mr Cantrell's long services to civic and patriotic causes in ' Dunedin.