WAR FUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 20525, 29 June 1928, Page 8

WAR FUNDS

NATIONAL COUNCIL THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING SURPLUS ON YEAR’S WORK (Per United Press Association’.) Wellington, June 28. The thirteenth annual meeting of the National War Funds Council was held today. Reference was made to the position of the East Coast Maori Soldiers’ Fund now under administration of a Native trustee and the opinion was expressed that considering the efficient management now evident eventually the fund would show a surplus which could be utilized for the benefit of Maori soldiers. A report regarding assistance to Imperial ex-soldiers showed that relief to the extent of £2,128 8/1 had been disbursed, an increase of £428 2/11 over last year. This question was discussed in detail and the opinion expressed that as the grant remitted by the United Service fund had been expended and that the responsibility of caring for these men was inclined to become heavier, the executive should make every effort to secure a further grant and that Earl Jellicoe’s services in this respect should be sought. The return covering grants to district societies for the relief of ex-soldiers in necessitous circumstances due to unemployment was reviewed, the amount disbursed to 23 societies totalling £4,885. The opinion was expressed that this type of relief had been of great benefit to returned men and though it was held that the conditions prevailing this year were considerably brighter, it was resolved to expend a further £5,000 to assist returned soldiers who are unfortunate enough to be unemployed. This assistance will be rendered through district societies. Comment w’as made as to the general relief disbursed which totalled £9,283 15/3. The chairman, Sir John Luke, M.P., referred to the strong financial position of the council, stating that the total funds now stood at £160,302 8/11. The income and expenditure account showed a surplus of incomes over expenditure of £33,944 11/11 due to the transfer of balances of patriotic funds. Notwithstanding the fact that relief of £9,383 15/3 had been disbursed and depreciation of £629 2/- allowed for, the surplus was very satisfactory.