REGIMENTAL FUNDS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14550, 11 March 1918, Page 7

REGIMENTAL FUNDS.

ASSISTANCE. FROM NEW ZEALAND SUBSTANTIAL HELP FOR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE.

j The important question of assisting the funds of New Zealand regiments on active service iu France. was considered by the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Patriotic Societies. The secretary (Mr. IK. W. Shallcrass). reported, ou the. position of grants under existing arrange- | merits, and the position wajs uok regard - jed as altogether satisfactory. Mr. Hope Gibbons read an appeal from the officers 'commanding the Wellington Hegiment, stating that money . was urgently needed. The sum of at least £750 was required every three months, and, taking the number, of men in a battalion at 1000, that meant only Is 2d per man per month. Contributors could rest assured that the money would be spent economically in the best interests of tho soldiers, who would be provided with' additional comforts, sports outfits, etc. Mr. Gibbons stated that the Wellington Regiment had never been neglected. J Mr. V. Larner (Auckland) stated .that, because of its constitution, the J Auckland association would, not be able to contribute. r £he association Mas •up I against its constitution every time, juut as many other associations were, and it ) was time that tho constitutions were altered. However, he favored a common fund for the whole of the Dominion ,- — one big scheme, which would ensure all the soldiers receiving the same treatment. ,

I Mr. A. Leaver (West Coast) said that if the board decided to follow that course, it would be the best thing it had ever done.

I After a further general discussion, the board passed the following motion, moved by Mr. V. Larner and seconded by Mr. J. J. Dougall (Christchurch) : — I "That the Advisory Board, being satisfied that battalion or regimental funds 1 are necessary for the benefit of our soldiers, recommends that,, in lieu of each district ,in the Dominion contributing to its own regiment or battalion, a common fund be established amounting to £15,---000 per yea/ 1 , from which monthly remittances be made, and that the various patriotic societies contribute pro rata towards the fund. The hoard further recommends that, such of the societies fas may be precluded by their constitution from contributing towards this fund take immediate steps to amend their constitution to provide for contributions being made/'

*|„.'T he matter of contributing to the .{.War Contingent Association in London was held over until the next meeting of the- board.