BATTLE OF THE BULLION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1916, Page 6

BATTLE OF THE BULLION.

OPIMAKE STANDS OUT. r ; A meeting of the Egmont Patriotic League was held at Opunake on Friday evening to discuss the question of taking part in the Battle of tfie Bullion. Mr. W„ C. Dudley presided over a fair attendance, which included a number of ladie3. Mr. J. E. Wilson, chairman' .of the New Plymouth Patriotic Society,and Mr. W. Lints, were present and- explained the scheme. Mr. Wilson said that all were agreed as to the need of some combined effort. Tara-. nrtki so far had laised £15,000 towards the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, ajid 'had, a few months ago, sent away one-tenth of the men that had left New Zealand. While it must be admitted that the pension scheme was one of the most liberal in the world, it could not apply equitably in all cases. All, he thought, would agree that something should be done to augment this. In the prosperity we were at present enjoying we would not permit any soldier or Ws dependants to be in want. It had been stated that the Government should raise the necessary money by taxation, and while agreeing with this, he considered that it was impracticable. He believed in the direct system of giving, but as many could not be got to do this he welcomed any scheme that would raise money.

Mr. W. Lints outlined the Battle of the Bullion scheme, as already published.

Considerable discussion ensued, the chairman saying that while the meeting was representative of Opundke it could not bind the rest of the county. A proposal was put forward by Mr. Greig that the meeting should thank the speakers and consider at a later meeting whether to enter the scheme or not.

Rev. Tlnsley considered that some definite answer should be given. If people could by any stretch of imagination transfer themselves -to the trenches, they would realise the need for giving freely. Unfortunately, they did not Tealise this, and other means had to be adopted. Mr. Geo. Looney favored out-and-out subscription. He moved that the jneeting adopt the scheme. This was seconded, pro forma, by Mr, Marshall. After further discussion, in which it appeared that those present favored the scheme, but were doubtful as to whether the business people of the town, on whom the chief work would fall, had the necessary time at their disposal, the motion was lost, on a. show of hands. A suggestion was thrown out that a house-to-house canvass would probably prove effective in raising funds.

Votes of thanks were accorded Messrs Wilson and Lints.