The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1914. EXERCISING DISCRETION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 99, 17 August 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1914. EXERCISING DISCRETION.

We have on more than one occasion pointed out the stern necessity at this time of giving with all our heart to the aid of the Empire in the present great struggle for life and liberty, upon which our nation has entered. We do not for one moment desire to check any proper effort to raise further sums of money towards the splendid cause which every truehearted Briton is desirous of assisting, but there is some little danger of communities being carried away by over-zeal, and there is also reason to believe that much energy may be wasted in really well-intentioned efforts, unless proper organisation is provided for. It is with the object of carrying out such organisation, so far as possible, that a sub-committee of the Centra] Executive set up at Stratford has been appointed. This sub-committee will be glad to give its best advice to those who desire to promote any special movement in furtherance of the Fund. What we all have to guard against as much as possible is irresponsible and continuous badgering of the same people for trifling sums at every street corner and upon all occasions.. The amounts so raised in themselves are infinitesimal. While we desire to see the fullest response to every properly organised and even every proper persona! effort—and we trust what we have here said may not be misunderstood in any sense—we also wish for the general good to see thoughtfulness and control exercised. We have discussed this aspect with some members of the Central Committee, and they quite recognise flint there is a reiil danger of the public being unduly

harassed to the detriment of any serious appeal which may, unfortunately, have to bo made later on. The last thing that the Committee desires to do, is to interfere with any proper effort made by sections or individuals to raise money to augment the fund, but it does wish to protect those who have given freely in the first place from further solicitation at the present.