SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SOLDIERS' CHILDREN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 47

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SOLDIERS' CHILDREN.

THE TRENTHAM ART UNION,

Dr J. E. Biddell, of Hawke's Bay, who has done much towards promoting the scheme for providing scholarships for the children of soldiers, having personally contributed over £IOOO to the fund, was interviewed a few days ago in Wellington. Dr Biddell said the fund was originated by Colonel H. B. Potter, C.M.G., N.Z.5.0., when he was Camp Commandment at Trentham Camp. Starting in a small way, the fund was so enthusiastically received by prominent gentlemen, that the scheme developed into a much more ambitious project than was originally considered. No doubt," continued Dr Biddell, "the hard work of Colonel Potter and his keen enthusiasm for the cause had a great deal to do with the development of interest in the fund. The trustees are: Major-General Sir A. Bobin, K.C.M.G., C. 8., General Officer Commanding; N.Z. Forces; Dr W. J. Anderson, Director of Educatioas; and Colonel Potter.

Only a broad outline of the scheme can be given until the actual amount subscribed is known. The idea is to raise a Dominion fund for every part of New Zealand to promote or assist in the promotion of the education of the children of soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces who have been killed or have been on active service in this war. If funds permit, the children of members of any branch of His Majesty's Forces who were on active service during the war will bo included so long as the parents were domiciled in New Zealand at the time of enlistment. In administering the funds, the necessities of the child and of his or her parent or parents and all surrounding circumstances will be taken into consideration. It is proposed to provide free places, scholarships, and bursaries at the various colleges, and to furnish an allowance in the case of each student, to enable him or her to go through with the tuition. What we want to do first of all is to get as much money as possible into trip fund before 30th June, when this Art Union closes. It is proposed to raise £IOO.OOO, and, if the sum is reached, a great deal can be done with it for the children of New Zealand's heroes. There are some who object to art unions on principle. _ For those it is not necessary to purchase, tickets. If they wish to assist the kiddies they can send their cheque to the secretary, and it will bo duly acknowledged. Nothing that can be done for the fatherless children is enouerh. It is un to every self-respecting Now Zoalandor to put what he or she can afford into this fund, cither as a donation or bv vnirehasing tickets. One of the best plans, which a crreat many people have adonted. is to purchase a few tickets every wook. "Yon can never miss an odd shilling or two, and there's always the chance of winning some of the £6300 worth of prizes."