PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16817, 8 June 1926, Page 5

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON. TRIBUTE FROM MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A conference was opened to-day representing the various bodies concerned in the administration of patriotic and war funds, Hie principal* object being lo decide questions relating lo the centralisation or amalgamation of the various funds and the uniform distribution of money for relief purposes. Addressing the conference, lion. Dowuie Stewart said he wished lo make it clear that there was no suggestion that the Government was seeking lo conlrol the conference. Departmental officers would be present lo furnish information and assist the conference.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Minister said he deeply appreciated Ihe great amount of work done by the various societies. The work had been done unostentatiously and efficiently by people who had had every experience in the administration of moneys, and the Government looked to llicm for guidance in solving the problems arising from time lo time. It was felt that it would be of advantage to the trustees of the various funds, and also returned soldiers, if Lhe whole present position of the war funds was examined, as well as their adequacy for meeting the needs of beneueiarios, and tiie possibilities of obtaining greater uniformity in the administration of funds. The question of finance would require a good deal of consideration. The question undoubtedly would arise of car-marking part of the funds for specific purposes, such as scholarship funds, veterans' homes, etc. The chairman, Sir John Luke, said that unless something was done some of the smaller societies would be forced out of existence. The time was not ripe for nationalisation, but he believed it would soon come about.

Mr Tripp said the advisory hoard was against the pooling of funds. There was enough money in sight at present to keep all the societies going for seven or eight years. The council was of opinion, however, that nationalisation should take place some time in the future. He moved that the question of nationalisation be poslponed. This was carried.

The conference resolved that a returned soldier is qualified, by reason of bis service, to have his case considered on ils merits at the discretion of the trustees of the patriotic funds. It was decided to remove the limitation of lime in regard to applications for pensions.