SOLDIERS' CHILDREN

Southland Times, Issue 18077, 2 May 1919, Page 6

SOLDIER S ' CHILDREN

THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME. DR. RIDDELL’S' VIEWS. The other day, Dr J. E. Riddell, who is so well known in the Hawkes Bay district was visiting Wellington, where he was interviewed on the subject of the Trentham Dominion Scholarships Art Union. It is well known by all those interested that Dr. Riddell’s energy- has had a great deal to do with the progress of this scheme. The Doctor has himself contributed over £IOOO to the fund in prizes—such is his practical sympathy with the soldiers’ kiddies. And the interviewer’s object was to secure as much information as possible from the Doctor concerning the manner in which it was proposed to administer the fund. “Well," said Dr. Riddell, “the fund was originated by Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.G., N.Z.S.C., when he was Camp Commandant 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 Riddell, “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-Gen-eral Sir A. Robin, K.C.M.G., CJB., General Officer commanding N.Z, Forces; Dr W. J. Anderson, Director of Education; and Colonel Potter.

“The objects of the fund can only be generally stated, since, until the amount subscribed is ascertained, it is impossible to determine the exact application of the money. A broad outline of the scheme, however, can be given. It is a Dominion fund for every part of New Zealand, and the general object is to promote or assist in tlie 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 be 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 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. “Provided funds are available, there is also a scheme proposed to take fifty of the children of those who made the supreme sacrifice, and to put these fifty right through their professions as architects, engineers, doctors, etc.; the people to act in loco parentis. Four out of the fifty children would be Maoris, for surely the Maoris have a claim upon us, considering their splendid share in the fighting. “Of course,” went on the Doctor, “what can be done depends entirely upon the amount of money raised; and what we want to do first of all is to get as much money as possible into the fund before June 30, when this Art Union closes. It is proposed to raise £IOO,OOO, and if that sum is reached, a great deal can be done with it for the children of New Zealand’s heroes. , ‘Some people don’t seem to want to buy art union tickets, because they object to Art Unions, and yet they are sumpathetic towards the splendid scheme of helping the soldiers’ children. Yet surely there is no need for Ml these people to stand out, because we are accepting donations. So please tell your readers that if they wish to help the kiddies without buying tickets they can send their cheques along to the secretary and they will be duly acknowledged. “Nothing that we can do for these youngsters is enough. Their fathers went away to the front, and died to keep New Zealand safe from the Hun. Now that the children are left fatherless, the least we can do is to look after them. It is up to every selfrespecting New Zealander to put what he or she can afford into this fund, either as a donation or by purchasing tickets. One of the best plans, which a great many people have adopted, is to purchase a few tickets every week. You never miss an odd shilling or two, and there’s always the chance of winning some of the £6300 worth of prizes.”