THE PATRIOTIC FUND. PROVIDING COMFORTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2437, 28 November 1900, Page 29

THE PATRIOTIC FUND. PROVIDING COMFORTS.

The reference to the telegram from Wellington which was published on Friday to thn effect that as Mr Pilcher,' Government agent at Gape town, had exhausted the funds at his disposal to provide comforts for the contingents, the Premier was communicating with the various patriotic committees asking for further contributions, it may be stated that on the matter" being brought under the notice of Mr James Mills, chairman of the Otago Patriotic Committee, he expressed surprise at the statement. Sp far the committee here have received no intimation from the Premier. To "show that the committee in Dunedin were not unmindful in the matter of comforts, Mr Mills mentioned 'that as far back a3'the-2ncl of August last the Otago Committee had written r to Mr 'Pilcher, placing £100 at his absolute disposal for comforts. Mip Pilcher' s repliV, dated 24-th September, showing that, he did not. anticipate .requiring the money, was as J i ollows :—"I: — "I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 2nd August authorising me to expend, without further reference", the sum of £100 for the assistance of invalided New Zealanders, especially those from Otago, in excess of what has been provided by the New Zealand Government, which has my best attention. The "Premier's instructions to me by cable were to provide at the cost of the New Zealand Government, comforts,- attendance, medical or otherwise, to all our sick and wounded boys here, and to see them decently clothed and provided with a little money. I have as far as possible carried out these instructions. Should occasion arise, however, I will avail myself of your committee's kind offer." In view of that letter Mr Mills cannot understand what can be intended by the telegram, and is inclined to think that some mistake has been made in trie matter.