WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 61

WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND.

THE WELLINGTON CONFERENCE.

A special meeting of the executive of the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association was held on Thursday morning to consider the report by Messrs G. L. Denniston, G. Fenwick, and F. W. Mitchell (delegates to the conference held at Wellington) in reference to the control and administration of the various funds subscribed, and being subscribed, for the benefit of wounded soldiers and the dependents of fallen and wounded soldiers. The Mayor presided.

Tho report read as follows: “ According to instructions, we attended the conference of delegates from the different patriotic associations held at Wellington on Wednesday, the 15th inst. _ The principal business arose out of a series of resolutions proposed by Mr Skerrett, K.C., dealing with, and considerably modifying, those brought forward and carried at a previous conference. After considerable discussion of the resolutions, in the course of which we represented, as far as we were able, the views held by this association, the resolutions were carried unanimously, with tho exception of the delegates from Otago and Auckland, who declined to vote. A committee was appointed further to consider the resolutions, of which Mr Denniston was appointed a member, the committee to report to a future conference. As tho result of hearing the arguments for the establishment of a national scheme for assisting in tho administration of the moneys raised for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, and with the recognition of the desire of important sections of tho dominion for such establishment, we think this association will find it undesirable to stand aloof, and will ultimatly fall into line with the other associations, once it is satisfid that the independence of each association in its administration and the investment of its own funds is safeguarded to its satisfaction. We suggested to Mr Skerrett, who has given to the whole question an immense amount of work and time, that, could he snare the time to pay a visit to Dunedin, his explanation of the scheme as it stands now would do much to clear away misapprehensions and misgivings, and hasten a satisfactory settlement. Mr Skerrett promised that, if possible, he would pay the visit as suggested. Meantime, we suggest, in view of Mr Skerrett’s proposed visit, that a special of the executive should be called to consider the amended proposals, so that something like unanimity may bo secured before members meet Mr Skerrett in conference.” Mr Denniston said ho would ask the association to adopt the report of tho delegates to tho Wellington conference, and would add a few words of comment. Mr Denniston wont on to explain Mr Skerrett’s scheme as amended by that gentleman. He went on to say that there was tho question of the supplementing of the funds of one district by another, when the funds of the former became depleted and the other remained financial. This, to his mind, was the most controversial of all the points raised. In opposing the scheme as laid down by Mr Skerrett for dealing with this question, the delegates were accused of parochialism and provincialism, and taunted with a selfish regard for their own men, and callous disregard for claimants for relief who might belong to a district which had sent many men to the front in proportion to its population, but which possessed an insignificant or insufficient relief fund. The delegates emphatically disclaimed this attitude, and the selfish principle involved, and expressed the confident belief that Otago would readily contribute if required to a necessitous district, as, indeed, was provided for in report of September 8, where the principle was emphatically laid down. The question, therefore, had to be determined whether ’ such gifts or levies were to be made as voluntary gifts, as contemplated by them, or compulsory levies, as provided by Mr Skcrrett’s scheme on a scale, and under the conditions therein set forth. It was contended by those who advocated tho latter plan that voluntary contributions to poorer associations might be considered as tainted by an appearance of charity calculated to injure the self-respect of the recipients. In conclusion, while welcoming full discussion on the whole question, he would deprecate this association at this meeting committing itself definitely and irrevocably to any decision ’ on- tho subject. They should pay Mr Skerrett the courtesy of delaying their verdict till ho paid us his promised visit. This, ho thought, was due to him, considering the labour, time, and trouble ho had given to the question. Mr Fenwick seconded the motion, and said he on the wholo agreed with Mr Donniston’s views. Mr Mitchell said that if the scheme of military areas was adopted there would be no such thing as rich and poor districts. Tho Mayor" remarked that tho amended scheme gave the central body absolute autocratic power. —(Voices : “That is so.”) The central body would have power to confiscate their funds.

Mr J. A. Johnstone moved, as an amendment —‘‘That the report of the delegates bo received, and that this association reaffirms that, for the reasons already stated, it cannot join the national association, but is prepared (as it always has been) to take part in any conference that may be called into existence from time to time,, haying for its purposes the prevention of overlapping with kindred associations, the prevention of exploitation of the fund through fictitious and exaggerated claims, and the furtherance of greater economy in working.” Mr IS. Solomon, K.C., seconded the motion, and contended they had no power to hand over the control or adminstration of their fund. That would be committing a. distinct breach of trust and faith. Even if they could agree to it, they ought not to do so. The money was given by the people of Otago in order to provide a little more comfort. Any amount of oases came before them that could not bo decided upon a set standard. Mr J. M. T?egg stated that what Mr Solomon had said was correct. The country funds wore subscribed only with the assurance that they -would bo administered by an Otago Committee. Mr John Roberts, C.M.G., said ho considered that the motion wont too far. Tic moved as an amendment that consideration of the report be deferred until Mr Skerrett had had an opportunity of being heard. Mr Donniston seconded the amendment. It was partly duo to himself, as it was his suggestion, that Mr Skerrett come. Mr Gray suggested that the difficulty

might bo got over by reaffirming their position in the meantime, and, if Mr Skerrett were willing to oome down, hear him. After further discussion, Mr Johnstone’s motion was carried in the form suggested by Mr Gray, that while the association saw no reason in the meantime for altering its previous decision regarding the formation of a national association, it would be glad to hoar Mr Skerrett.