THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14986, 13 August 1919, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON,' this day., A deputation -representing the executive of the ] V.M.C.A. . on ( the Minister Of : 'lnternal Affairs to explain various matters connected with the relatioiisliip of the war fuTtcls section of the Internal Affairs Department with tlie V.M.C.A. and its work m military hospitals m New Zealand. The Minister was informed that a complete bal-ance-sheet had been prepared. A further explanation arising out.of the, bal-ance-sheet aiid the statement would be available to the secretary of the War Funds Office when asked for.

Tlie Minister expressed satisfaction with th© information giveiij and said the, suggestion was made that possibly a conference of representatives of the Red Cross, V.M.C.A., Wax Fund Office, and 'the military authorities would be the best method of bringing about a clear definition 'of the respective responsibility. He desired, on the part of the Government, to express the highest appreciation of the work done, not only, m New Zealand, but 'm every 'field of war, byi the V.M.C.A. He was satisfied there/ was no legitimate grouud of' complaint i m connection .with tlie expenditure of/ the Association's funds. There werei doubtless matters under consideration] by the War. Funds Office which required explanation. These inquiries, however.,, did not m any way question the honesty of the administration of the fund, but; were required for the balancing and synchronising of the funds m: various theatTes for. audit purposes. . He wishfed 1 to assure the deputation that the Government would take no/ part m any inquiry; on th^ : assumption' tliat there had, been' improper; /dealings yrith the funds; .The Government- was not going, to take part m any;- movement tßat- would jhaye theeffect. of dishonoring the magnificent' work the Association liad pefformed^, hot only m/ New Zealand, but. throughout: the whole of the Empire.