PLUNKET SOCIETY ACTIVITIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 39

PLUNKET SOCIETY ACTIVITIES.

WIDER NATIONAL ORGANISATION AUCKLAND, December 11.

Replying to a deputation from the Plunket Society, the lion. G. W. Russell e:iid the subsidy paid to the society in connection with this year's operations was £3OOO. That was a small amount compared with the necessities of the case. _ Ho was most impressed with the desirability of the organisation being- made more national than at present. Under the new constitution, which was being practically accepted by the executive in Dunedin, a unit of the society would bo a branch, wherever it might be. A combination of these units in each provincial district would form provincial council. Each council would be entirely responsible for looking after and extending the work within its own territory. The Minister expressed the hope that there would ultimately bo established in Auckland, Wellington, and Christohuroh institutions similar to the Karitane Hospital for children in Dunedin. Questioned with regard to the properties, he said each branch would retain control of its own properties. If necessary, special provision will be made to validate bequests to local branches. The Minister undertook to convene a conference of representatives of the various Phmket Societies, to be held in January.

APPEAL FOR FUNDS. AUCKLAND, December 11. In the course of a meeting of the Plunket Society tonight, tho Hon. Mr Russell an-

nounccd that for the week ending January 27 lie would make an appeal io the country iri aid of the society's work, lie asked the churches to inaugurate a campaign on the preceding Sunday. Ho would be disappointed if between £IO.COO and £20.000 Mere not raised.