APPEALS MERGED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21646, 6 May 1940, Page 6

APPEALS MERGED

Church Of England And

Patriotic Fund

At the request of the National Patriotic Fund Board ahd in the interests of economy, of unity and ot presenting a united appeal to tiie public, the Church of England Military Affairs Committee announces that it has decided to merge its appeal in that of the National Patriotic Fund Board. In a statement read in churches m all parishes yesterday the committee stated: “In upport of the action at the Military Affairs Committee, it should be explained: (1) That there has been considerable misunderstanding of the original decision of the Church of England to 'contract out’ at the Government scheme. (2) That Church of England people were being asked to bear a double burden, as they felt their obligation to subscribe to public as well as to Church appeals. 13) That the prime object of die Church ot' England in contracting out was to secure the opportunity for spiritual ministrations wlilch they feared might not be provided for under the original design of the National Patriotic Fund Scheme. These have been very adequately guaranteed, and the objects of the Church of England thereby attained.’’ The Committee reports that the sum collected since war was declared exceeds £ll,OOO, the greater portion of which has been expended on erecting and furnishing huts at Papakura, Trentham and Bumham.' and other work for the forces.