TRENCH COMFORTS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 20, 12 March 1918, Page 2

TRENCH COMFORTS.

CENTRAL FUND ADVOCATED,

Regimental funds are required for the soldiers serving in France, and at a meeting of the Advisory Board of New Zealand Patriotic Societies in Wellington, delegates had something to say on the matter. In an appeal from officers of the Wellington Regiment it was stated that at least £750 was required every three months, ■which on the basis of 1000 men in each battalion amounted to not more than Is 2d per man per month. There need be no doubt in the minds of contributors that the money would be spent in the best interests of the soldiers who would be provided with additional comforts, sports material and other needs.

It was pointed out by Mr V. Lamer (Auckland) that his body could not contribute owing to its constitution. Personally he was in favour of a Dominion scheme whereby equal treatment would be meted out to all the New Zealand soldiers at the front.

A general discussion' followed, and it was eventually agreed to act on the lines of the following motion, proposed by Mr Lamer and seconded by Mr J. J. Dougall (Christchurch) :—“That the Advisory Board, being satisfied that battalion or regimental funds 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 instituted amounting to £15,000 per year- from which monthly remittances be made, and that the various patriotic societies contribute pro rata towards the funds, the board further recommends that such of the societies as may be precluded by their constitution from contributing towards this-fund take immediate steps to amend their constitution to provide for contributions being made. —N.Z. Times.