PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 17653, 10 February 1916, Page 5

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

MINISTER AND MAYOR. GOVERNMENT SUGGESTION DISAPPROVED. t*”r—r’, - (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 9. Writing with reference to the administration of patriotic funds the Hon. G. W. Russell states that the Cabinet considered the maximum rates fixed in cases of death and disablement did not represent the generous patriotism of the people of Auckland Province in subscribing for the sick and wounded soldiers the very large sum which the association held. The Government suggested that the executive should affirm the principle that there should be no maximum payment. Full consideration was given to the letter by ’ the Auckland executive. •The Mayor is forwarding a reply which states that for the purpose of incorporating the rules It has been decided to delete the clause relating to the maximum rate. At the same time

the-executive desired him to respectfully, yet emphatically, protest against the action of the Government in the matter. “The Auckland executive are of opinion,” the reply proceeds, “that the scale of payments under the Act is quite liberal, but that up to date the administration of the Act has in majiy instances been ungenerous. By the withdrawal of the schedule the executive do not affirm the principle that there is no maximum payment. The Minister's suggestion represents a policy which the provincial conference of Auckland delegates determined against, and which would be decidedly inimical to the fund, for it would cause a lack of uniformity in districts throughout the province.”