WAR FUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 22009, 8 May 1933, Page 9

WAR FUNDS

SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION. REPORT OF EXECUTIVE. The report of the executive committee upon the operations of the Southland War Funds Association for, the year ended, March 31, to be presented to the seventeenth annual general meeting of members on Friday next, is as follows:— Although the best part of two decades has passed since the commencement of the Great War, the volume of business coming forward shows no sign of diminishing. It is obvious to the committee that the strain of war service is now affecting large numbers of men who were discharged fit, and it is anticipated that the problems so arising will call for national action within a comparatively few years. Meanwhile, the committee feels that it must deal with all cases as they rise, provided that every care is taken to guard against over generosity. . Unemployment.—Relief in this direction has largely been supplementary to that provided by the State for general unemployment. Owing to the large number of ex-soldiers who are out of employment, the relief granted to the individuals is small, and the prevailing conditions have precluded those interested from obtaining any substantial amount of subsidized work. In cooperation with the Returned Soldiers’ Association, their Poppy Day Funds, the National War Funds grants and this association’s own unemployment grant have been administered so as to supply some real, if limited, assistance to unemployed ex-soldiers. Vacancy.—The committee records with regret the death of Mr S. Fowle, of Orawia, a councillor of long standing. Mr J. C. Gardner, of Clifden, has been appointed to fill the vacancy and has already given evidence of his interest in the work. Pensions.—This aspect of the association continues to be of paramount importance and occupies a great deal of the staff’s time. It is nevertheless considered to be well worth while, and the measure of success attending it, particularly in connection with Pensions Apneals is very gratifying. During the year out of 26 appeals sponsored by the association, 20 were successful. Civil Re-Establishment.—lt is regretted that no substantial progress in this connection can be reported, the difficulty being lack of finance. The committee stands ready, however, to join with other bodies interested in seeing that the idea is not lost sight of, and that the legislation is made effec- I tive as soon as opportunity offers. 1

Christmas Cheer—The committee again made grants to Returned Soldiers’ Associations to assist with their Christmas parcels, but does not consider that a revival of the previous system should be considered. Children’s Health Camp.—The committee interested itself in this movement. being of the opinion that in appropriate cases it would assist returned soldiers materially. In all 17 children of ex-service men were accepted for the camp, many of them directly upon representations made by the association. The sum of £1 per child was granted towards the maintenance of these 17 for their four weeks in camp. On reports received the committee is satisfied that the money was well spent. Lady Visitor. —For some time past the committee has felt at a disadvantage when confidential reports relating to the home circumstances of applicants seemed desirable. Members of the committee and staffs of other organizations have rendered valuable assistance in the past, but it was felt that, if possible, the association should have its own visitor. The committee was fortunate in being able to obtain the consent of Mrs J. Matthews, to undertake this work, and desires to record its gratitude to her for so doing, and its appreciation of her work. Appreciation.—The committee takes this opportunity of again expressing its thanks to the Pensions Department, the secretary and members of the Red Cross Society, country representatives, the Members of Parliament for the Southland electorates, the officials of the Returned Soldiers’ Associations, and to all who have co-operated in the work of the association. Our thanks are also due to the Press for publicity given to the work done during the year. Staff.—This report of our year’s acatvities would not be complete without an acknowledgment of the fine work of the office staff. The task of interviewing ex-servicemen with their manifold problems, day in and day out is a very wearying one. Mr Tait brings to this work a kindly sympathy and a wise intelligence which makes him invaluable to the committee. He is ably and loyally assisted by Miss Oughton, whose experience and knowledge of detail is invaluable.

Financial.—The capital funds have been reduced by £2259 7/-; the total assets now being £27,328 7/7. Investments at elate are bringing in annual interest amounting to £9lO. Relief grants during the year amounted to £3132 8/8 and advances £llll 7/1, being a total assistance of £4243 15/9. There was received in refunds on advances £lO2O 6/1. The amount of outstanding loans is £4830 18/11 on which no interest is charged. Income includes donations amounting to £570 from the National War Funds Council. Administration and general expenses amounted to £693 12/8, being £3 18/6 less than the previous year. A monthly statement prepared by the secretary keeps the committee well informed.

Conclusion.—This report can be concluded only as in former years by reminding members that much work yet remains to be done. The difficulties which beset the paths of our returned soldiers have not been finally surmounted and the future holds problems many of which are not yet generally realized, let alone solved. If the committee will maintain the zeal and enthusiasm which its members have hitherto shown, the association’s contribution to the task will be one of immense value to those whose care is our charge, and one which cannot be measured in terms of money alone. The reward will be only the consciousness of duty done, but the sacrifice made by these men has laid the duty on us. Let us discharge it faithfully and cheerfully.