N.Z. CONTRIBUTED GENEROUSLY TO PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 May 1948, Page 4

N.Z. CONTRIBUTED GENEROUSLY TO PATRIOTIC FUNDS

New Board Indicates The Basis Ot Its Assistance Policy

(Press Association) WELLINGTON Mc.y 2G Tiie generosity' of the New Zealand public to its service personnel during the recent, war exceeded that of any other country, according to a report from the newly-constituted New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board, which held its first meeting in Wellington recently.

The sum handled by patriotic organisations during the war was about £11,000,000, which is the equivalent of £6 per head from every man, woman and child, states a report. The unexpended balance now held in credit ly the board amounts to £1,358,632, while provincial patriotic councils hold £1,630,000. In add'tion to this there is a surplus of about £900,000 held by the Canteen Board and £lBO,OOO in the Middle East Club account. With a possibility of distribution of N.A.A.F.I. Funds and special bequests it is estimated that the total amount of all fuiffis remaining from the recent war will be £4,500,000. With the new Canteen Fund Board and provincial patriotic councils, the

Patriotic Fund Board is charged with the responsibility of administering these funds for the benefit of ex-ser-vicemen of the second World War and their dependents. The board supported the principle that assistance should be made available on the sole consideration of the applicant's need, irrespective of where and in what status he served. It Is to be the aim not merely to provide temporary relief when it is required, but to provide sufficient assistance for an ex-serviceman to re-establish himself permanently. The board states it does not wish to saddle with additional financial commitment? those who have received rehabilitation loans. It is opposed to a loan principle as far as patriotic funds are concerned, and in cases where advances are justified prefers to make them as absolute grants.