SOME LIGHT FROM THE CHAIRMAN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 30, 2 June 1923, Page 3

SOME LIGHT FROM THE CHAIRMAN.

Mr J. W. McMillan, Chairman of tho Stratford Patriotic Society, was, in fairness, shown tho above letter so that the statements therein made might be checked. After going fully into the case, Mr McMillan holds that since Staveley lias insisted on thrusting one side of his case before the public, in justice to the T.W.R.A. and those who so generously supported it, at least fi ome of the facts should also be made public. Regarding tho above misleading statements, said Mr McMillan, it is my duty to the public to point out that R. P. Staveley, has been treated with every, sympathy and consideration. This man notwithstanding full information, assumes that there are two funds in existence, e.g :—The Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association Fund and the Stratford Patriotic Society Fund. Tlie Stratford Patriotic Society is affiliated with and a member of the T.W.R.A. During the operations of Stratford Society money was raised for patriotic purposes, lint tho Stratford Society also raised approximately £12,000 for sick and wounded soldiers (the highest contribution from any Society in Taranaki). This amount was transferred to the T.W.R.A. and other funds were raised for specific purposes, e.g.;—Red Cross, etc., ami any balances were remitted to the Headquarters of these specific funds, but the final balance of the Stratford Committee general fund, amounting to £350 approx, was also paid over to this Association. The point I desire to make quite clear hero is that the Stratford Patriotic Society at present has no funds. From tho Taranaki War Relief Association Staveley lias received approximately .C7O, this amount being disbursed by, instalments at the rate of £1 per week, over a period of approximately two years. ' As the War Relief Association funds are limited assistance must also bo limited. The amount granted in the above case is considerably in excess of a pro rata grant. Assuming that fiOOO men enlisted from the Taranaki Provincial District (a low estimate) the greatest amount which could have been granted on a pro rata basis when the capital fund was at the peak would have been £lO per man. Owing to limitation of

fun’s it was necessary la sot down a limit in connection with the IMPS, scheme. 100 per cent, disability being assessed at £250. In view of his allegations 1 must ask, if Stnveley’s condition is so serious why is he not in receipt of a larger pension ? Ho has received medical treatment from time to time, whenever asked,’ and all necessarv hospital treatment and medical opinion is that to further subsidise his pension, would bo mistaken kindness, and that without, work bis coso would become worse.