SOUTHLAND WAR FUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 23828, 27 May 1939, Page 9

SOUTHLAND WAR FUNDS

TOTAL OF £116,000 ADMINISTERED

PROSPECT OF CONTINUANCE FOR SEVERAL YEARS “In 23 years this association has handled £116,000. This must have done a lot to help the poor diggers who have encountered misfortune, said the president (Mr A. H. Cockburn) at the annual meeting of the Southland War Funds Association yesterday. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet (previously published) Mr Cockbum said that from the way the funds were holding out it appeared that the association had been following a sound policy. The grants had not been so great as in previous years and the funds would probably last a few years more. The life of the fund would depend on the continued health of returned soldiers. Many men were breaking down in health and it was becoming increasingly difficult to prove that their disability was due to the war. One very pleasing feature was that £360 had been received during the year in the return of loans and grants. If returned soldiers were able to continue this practice the funds of thp association would be preserved a little longer. The co-operation of returned soldiers’ associations had been greatly appreciated. These organizations were giving very valuable service in handling claims for pensions. Mr J. S. Filippini said the Invercargill Returned Soldiers’ Association appreciated the assistance it had received from the association. With the health of many returned soldiers failing it was gratifying to know that a fund existed for the assistance of men in difficulties. ' ,' , Mr C. Bennet said the funds had been administered very cheaply. It appeared that there would be sufficient money to carry on for five or six years more. In past years the association had been severely criticized for not paying out the funds more liberally, but the balance-sheet before the meeting showed that a sound policy had been adopted, said Mr T. Pryde. The grants made to returned men had proved of wonderful assistance to those who had gone to the aid of the Empire .in its hour of need. The social security legislation might relieve the funds to some extent. Mr F. M. Murray, on behalf of-rthe Gore Returned Soldiers’ . Association, also expressed appreciation .of the sympathetic consideration given to cases in the Eastern District. Mr R. H. Scott paid a tribute to the valuable services given to the association by Mr H. J. Farrant as chairman and Mr John Tait as secretary.

MORE LIBERAL ALLOWANCES Mr Farrant said it would be interesting to learn the effect of the social security legislation. He thought that without altering the policy of the association it might be possible to give more liberal allowances. Although pensions had been increased analysis showed that when the dependants of the men were considered their income was not big. The patriotic funds in Southland had totalled about £75,000 and when it was considered that the association had handled a total of £116,000 and still had £lO,OOO in cash it would be realized that the association had given remarkably good service. If the funds lasted another five or six years -the association would be able to continue to give very valuable and necessary service. The report and balance-sheet werb adopted. The following councillors were elected:—Messrs R. B. Bannerman, G. Bennet, F. Burgess, A. H. Cockburn, A. E. Cocker, D. Clark, W. J. Clark, D. Cuthbertson, N. Dickie, J. Doherty, J. Dunlop, H. J. Farrant, J. S. Filippini, J. Fisher, J. J. Foster, J. C. Gardner, J. Gilkison, F. G. Hall-Jones, J. Halliday, F. G. Linscott, H. W. C. Horrell, D. Macpherson, R. Gibson, F. M. Murray, W. J. A. McGregor, J. G. McDonald, T. R. McLean, J. S. A. McDougall, T. McMath, H. E. Niven, S. Rice, R. H. Scott, G. Soper, A. T. Scobie, R. Smith, J. R. Smith, J. A. Stirling, T. Walker, W. Young and Dr N. G. Trotter, dent and Mr T. Pryde vice-president Mr D. Macpherson was elected presiThe following were elected membrs of the executive and War Funds Committee:—Messrs R. B. Bannerman, C. Bennet, A. H. Cockburn, D. Cuthbertson, J. Doherty, H. J. Farrant, J. S. Filippini, J. Fisher, J. Gilkison, J. Halliday, F. G. Hall-Jones, F. M. Murray, J. S. A. McDougall, H. E. Niven, R. H. Scott, J. A. Stirling and Dr N. G. Trotter. Mr H. J. Farrant was elected chairman of the committee. The following Emergency Committee was elected:—Messrs C. Bennet, J. S. Filippini, D. Cuthbertson, H. J. Farrant, J. Gilkison, F. G. Hall-Jones, J. S. A. McDougall, T. Pryde.