LOAN OF, £6,000,000.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18018, 5 November 1920, Page 4

LOAN OF, £6,000,000.

[ ASSISTING EX-SOLDIERS. APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC. LOCAL CAMPAIGN ARRANGED. A public meeting was held at the Municipal Chamber yesterday' afternoon to make arrangements for a local ( campaign in connection w’ith the Government’s loan of £6,000,000 for the repatriation and settlement of ex-soldiers. The Mayor (Mr. T. B. Williams) presided. An apology was received from a number of citizens, including the president and vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, who were unable to be present. Mr. A. Burnett, who is confined to his home through illness, wrote stating that he was prepared to do his share, and expressing the hope that the loan would be a success. The Mayor said a distinct promise had been made to the men who went to the Front. Those present had seen the Prime Minister's circular letter and a letter had also been received from the Treasury Department. He believed that everybody would be prepared to do what they could to assist. The Council were prepared to do all that was possible. The Mayor moved that’ those present should be formed into a committee, with power to add, to give effect to the request by the Prime Minister. In seconding the motion Mr. A. G. Bigneil said he believed that the loan would appeal to everyone in the community, and that they would regard it more cheerfully than any other loan which had been placed before them by the Government. Money had flowed in freely for the other loans and people should subscribe liberally for the present one. It was not only their privilege, but an absolute duty to do so. As far as the local bodies were concerned they should do what they could to make use of any funds, such as sinking funds. No better investment could be made. He had no doubt that the appeal would be satisfactory and that they would be proud of the result as a community. The motion was carried.

It was decided to make an appeal to the public next Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. There will be a couple of vehicles at the Post Office corner from where speeches will be made and investments will be received. One of the local bands will serve to enliven the proceedings.

It was also decided that Crs. Burnett, Litfiton and Mr. A. Willis should act as a publicity sub-com-mittee to advertise the campaign. The general committee will meet again at 4 p.m. next Monday at the Municipal Chambers.