ALL UTILISED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21217, 13 September 1940, Page 7

ALL UTILISED

PATRIOTIC FUNDS MANY CALLS ENVISAGED LORD GALWAY’S REMINDER (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday Opening the conference of secretaries of Provincial Patriotic Councils, the Governor-General, Lord Galway, referred particularly to the part to be played by the provincial councils in assisting in the rehabilitation of men of the forces on their discharge and the funds that would be required for this purpose, which is one of the main matters to be discussed. Referring to the public response to appeals for funds, His Excellency said that, in particular, the way the sick, wounded and distress fund appeal had been supported exceeded the early anticipations of the most sanguine. There had been a very good response to the appeals for funds to provide comforts for the troops, and that had enabled a great deal to be done in the camps and for the echelons as they went overseas. All Money Utilised There were some people, however, who thought the National Patriotic Fund Board was amassing vast sums of money. He could assure them that was not the case. In addition to providing comforts, the money had been used to build recreation huts At the camps and improve generally the amenities available there. As the new camp at Waiouru was a long way from any centre ,it would be absolutely essential to provide recreational facilities from the funds for that camp, said Lord Galway. That was an instance of the many calls on the funds. The large amount raised by the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society was not, as some contended, dead money. It would all be utilised. Close Harmony Needed As time went on, His Excellency continued, and the sick and wounded began to return, it would be essential for patriotic and Red Cross organisations to work in very close harmony. The Red. Cross was a little apt in the provinces to get rather out of touch with the centre, and, he thought, with the Provincial Patriotic Council of the district. He thought the matter should be looked at from a bigger point of view and a close working relationship established.

He referred to the work done by the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild in collecting, sorting and packing clothing for refugees and homeless people abroad, and expressed the hope that the delegates to the conference would be able visit the Guild’s headquarters at Government House and see the work being done there by an admirable band of ladies.