NATIONAL PATRIOTIC FUND BOARD (REPORT OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER, 1940.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1941 Session I, H-22a

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1941. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIONAL PATRIOTIC FUND BOARD (REPORT OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER, 1940.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Regulation 21 of the Patriotic Purposes Emergency Regulations 1939.

The Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs. The New Zealand National Patriotic Fund Board has the honour to present its first annual report covering the year ended 30th September, 1940. An interim report, dated 28th May, 1940, was submitted to Parliament during the year. Introductory. Under the Patriotic Purposes Emergency Regulations 1939 the complete control of the collection and expenditure of money for patriotic purposes was vested in eleven Provincial Councils, and a National Patriotic Fund Board, and, in addition, there was constituted a National Patriotic Council, charged with the duty of advising these bodies and the Minister, and of co-ordinating the efforts of all concerned. The object of limiting the number of Patriotic Funds was to prevent a situation arising similar to that which existed during the last war, when upwards of six hundred patriotic funds were established without the necessary co-ordinating machinery, the result being an overlapping of effort, and a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the disbursement of the funds. Although this report covers the activities of the National Patriotic Fund Board only, it also relates, in general terms, to the work of various allied organizations, including the Provincial Patriotic Councils and social welfare organizations. Despite preliminary difficulties, brought about by a lack of understanding of the purposes of the regulations, which are protective rather than restrictive, the work of the Board and its allied organizations has proceeded smoothly, and the response to public appeals for money, gift goods, and assistance has been liberal. In each of the eleven zones or provincial patriotic districts into which the Dominion is divided for administration purposes the Provincial Patriotic Council concerned has full control over the collection and expenditure of money for patriotic purposes, and this fact cannot too often be stressed, in view of the erroneous impression current at the outset that the Government had more than an audit control over the funds collected. Regulations have now been introduced in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and the United States of America providing for a general control of the collection and expenditure of patriotic moneys. It is understood that New Zealand was in the forefront in adopting this method of control. In dealing with the subject of control of patriotic moneys in Australia the report on the activities of the Lord Mayor's Patriotic War Fund of New South Wales up to the 13th March, 1940, states : — "For the first time in the history of any patriotic fund in Australia one single organization was asked to take over and maintain a continual and adequate supply of comforts to members of the fighting forces, and at the same time to co-ordinate and direct into the most economic and useful channels the material and financial efforts of the citizens." The fact that other Empire Governments have also passed regulations to co-ordinate the activities of patriotic fund organizations within their countries proves the wisdom of the action of the New Zealand Government in taking steps, immediately the war broke out, to place the work of all patriotic organizations within the Dominion on a properly co-ordinated and satisfactory basis.

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In providing comforts for men of the armed forces in New Zealand, and particularly overseas, the Board can justly claim, from opinions expressed by independent sources, that New Zealand sailors, soldiers, and airmen are at least as well cared for as any of their comrades in other Empire countries, but in expressing this measure of satisfaction with the result the Board is fully conscious that much remains to be done, and that even greater efforts to raise funds will be necessary during the forthcoming year to cope with the increasing demands that must be met if our people at home are to do their full duty to the men and women of our fighting forces. It must be remembered that the t standard of living of New Zealand men drawn from civil life into the armed forces has been high, and, no matter how efficient a comforts organization may be, it cannot hope to do more than cushion some of the difficulties, discomforts, and shortages inevitably associated with war. The need for bridging this gap, as far as possible, is fully realized by the Board, and this is its chief objective. National Patriotic Fund Board. The work of the Board may be summarized as follows : — (1) The erection, maintenance, and equipment of recreational huts (other than service huts which are erected by the Government) and the extra furnishing only of the service huts and messes : (2) The supply of comforts to men on visiting escort vessels: (3) The supply of comforfs to naval, military, and air force personnel on troopships and overseas : (4) The care of the sick and wounded, and prisoners of war : (5) The organization, through Provincial Councils, of such special appeals as may be required to assist the relief of civil distress and injury arising out of war action, whether in New Zealand or overseas : (6) The provision or supplementing of regimental funds for troops overseas: (7) The retention, as a reservoir to assist Provincial Funds, of the balance of money in hand at the end of the war, including surplus trust funds raised during the present war, not required for original purposes. The Board carries out this work in conjunction with existing national social welfare organizations which have been appointed the Board's main expending agents. These organizations are : — Y.M.C.A. .. .. .. .. ..1 Church of England Military Affairs Committee .. L £ , • ~ Catholic War Services Fund Board .. .. f For %ttmg BeIVICeS generally " Salvation Army .. .. .. .. J Air Force Relations .. .. .. .. For the Air Force. Navy League War Council .. . . .. For Navy and deep-sea merchantmen. The Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New\For sick and wounded and prisoners Zealand Red Cross Society .. .. ..J of war. Provincial Patriotic Councils. Briefly, the eleven Provincial Patriotic Councils are responsible for the entertainment within their provinces of men of the armed forces in camps and on leave ; the provision of wool for knitted comforts particularly for men overseas ; the provision of gift parcels for despatch overseas at regular intervals ; the supplementing of regimental funds in New Zealand ; the supply of comforts to naval ratings within New Zealand ; the provision of amenities, sports gear, and comforts for men on coast-watching and other stations in New Zealand ; and particularly the provision of some emergency financial assistance to members and ex-members of the fighting forces, or their dependants, who may be in necessitous circumstances. Money-raising Activities. At the outset the Government made a grant of £1,000 to meet incidental expenses associated with the establishment of the National Patriotic Fund Board. Dominion-wide collections were made on behalf of the Board's funds, and Provincial Patriotic Councils also conducted appeals. Subsequently this procedure was changed, and Provincial Patriotic Councils were appointed sole collecting authorities within their own districts, and on the Board waiving its right (other than in emergencies) to collect for its own fund, the Councils agreed to raise for the Board the moneys required to carry out its programme. Under the earlier arrangement the Board conducted three Dominion-wide appeals for funds. The first two appeals (known as the " Governor-General's Appeal" and the " National Patriotic Seal Campaign ") realized approximately £55,000. The third appeal (known as the " Fighting Services Welfare Appeal ") realized approximately £104,000. This Fighting Services Welfare Appeal was conducted for the National Patriotic Fund Board by a Joint Committee of the Y.M.C.A. and the Salvation Army. Subsequently the Joint Council of the Ord«r of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society conducted an appeal (known as the " Sick, Wounded, and Distress Appeal "), and this realized a sum of £587,412. The total funds thus collected on a Dominion-wide basis to the 30th September, 1940, amounted to £746,451. The money collected for the Sick, Wounded, and Distress Appeal was earmarked specifically for the purpose for which it was collected. The proceeds of appeals, apart from the Sick, Wounded, and Distress Appeal, have been used for the current requirements of the Board, and henceforward it is not proposed, except in special circumstances, to depart from the principle of giving each Provincial Patriotic Council the sole authority for collecting funds in its own district.

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Gift Parcels. In conjunction with the Provincial Patriotic Councils, the Board arranged for the despatch at quarterly periods of an unaddressed gift parcel for each member of the armed forces abroad. The work of preparing, packing, and despatching these parcels and of varying the contents from time to time is one of considerable magnitude. The many letters of thanks received by the Board indicate that the unaddressed gift parcel scheme is one of the most popular activities of the patriotic organizations. The following letters are typical examples of the appreciation expressed by men at the front:— From Major-Oeneral B. Freyberg, V.C., in Egypt— " Beside me as I dictate this letter is a pile of good things which might have come from a Christmas hamper—tins of barley sugar, coffee and milk, nugget, some cheese, and last but not least a cake. There is no doubt the patriotic gifts were greatly appreciated, and the day of opening the parcels was like a birthday for everybody. If those who were responsible for getting together this generous collection of gift parcels could have seen them being distributed and opened here in Egypt I know that they would have felt their trouble had been well repaid. May I also thank you for the great help your fund has been to the N.Z.E.F. as a whole. No troops are better cared for than ours." From a Private Soldier in Egypt— " I wish to convey to you my grateful thanks for the very fine parcel which I received a few days ago* The distribution of the many parcels took place amid scenes of great enthusiasm, and the numerous contents of each one were greatly appreciated by us all. I would like also to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation, which I'm sure is shared by us all here, of the wonderful work which your organization, and the New Zealand people generally, are doing on our behalf." Provision of Woollen Goods. In the provision of woollen goods the Board has acted to some extent as the central supplying and distributing authority for the Provincial Councils, and this arrangement has been of value, particularly at times when available supplies of wool have been limited. The woollen goods supplied to the Services include gloves, mittens, balaclavas, scarves, heel-less socks, and sea-boot stockings. The Board is endeavouring to build up a reserve stock of these articles in order to meet increased demands expected during the forthcoming year. On page 8 will be found a table showing the number of knitted articles received and their distribution. Activities within Camps in New Zealand and Overseas. Apart from the valuable work performed by the Provincial Patriotic Councils and their many allied organizations and clubs in arranging entertainment for troops in camps and 011 leave in New Zealand and in providing sports gear, &c., other necessary work in camps which can more efficiently be controlled by a central organization is carried out under the supervision of the Board. The Defence authorities are concerned mainly with the provision of necessary standard service establishments for the training and accommodation of the men, and the provision of institutional huts is not part of the Army establishment. The Board has therefore undertaken the responsibility of providing and equipping institutional huts and marquees for the use of the various established national welfare organizations in camps. Up to the end of September, 1940, approximately thirty-six such huts or marquees had been erected in New Zealand and furnished by the Board, and similar establishments were provided overseas. The supply of radios, newspapers, books, and other amenities for these huts is also a financial responsibility of the Board, but much of this expenditure is of a non-recurring nature, although expense is involved in maintaining the buildings. Provision of Radios and Films. In order to assist in entertaining Navy, Army, and Air Force men the Board has made arrangements, where necessary, for the supply of radio sets, and has provided facilities for the screening of films. Every troopship leaving New Zealand is supplied with a selection of films. Battery radio sets have been forwarded with each echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and receiving sets have also been provided for men 011 minesweepers, at fortress and guard stations, and in training camps within the Dominion. The value of these radio sets supplied by the Board is evidenced by the following extract from a letter sent to the Board from an Army Officer in Egypt:— " We get all the London and Continental broadcasts, and it certainly makes life a little more interesting. At the moment there is a bright programme of dance music coming over. If you knew what it means to have ' swing 'in the desert —it is such a contrast to the general air of ancient mustiness and decay. The healthy modern touch makes us feel that perhaps after all we didn't leave 1940 when we left New Zealand." New Zealand Navy League War Council. In making provision for naval ratings, the Board works in close collaboration with the Navy Office ahd the Navy League War Council. In general, the various branches of the Navy League throughout New Zealand work in conjunction with the Provincial Patriotic Councils in providing for naval ratings on shore stations and at ports in their respective territories, and the Board attends to urgent requirements for naval ratings proceeding abroad and while on active service.

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The work of the Navy League War Council includes the making of comforts for men on minesweepers, and on defensively equipped merchant cruisers, and for naval ratings generally. In addition to sending supplementary supplies of woollen goods to naval men serving abroad, the Navy League endeavours to supply comforts to all New Zealand men proceeding Home to join the Royal Navy or the Fleet Air Arm. Each man leaving for overseas receives a navy blue cloth bag containing pullover, scarf, two pairs socks, balaclava, and special navy hussif. The work of preparing these comforts is done by voluntary helpers associated with the various branches of the Navy League and the staff of the Navy Office, Wellington. Other assistance is rendered by voluntary workers associated with Provincial Patriotic Councils, and by sewing classes of various girls' colleges. The Navy League War Council is not a collecting agent for the National Patriotic Fund Board, but any funds given to that organization are credited to the National Patriotic Fund, from which source the Navy League draws its supplies of woollen and other goods as required. As a representative of the Navy League War Council, Mr. R. Darroch gives valuable assistance to the Board in obtaining comforts for naval men. As representative of the Navy Office on an Advisory Committee of the National Patriotic Council, Lieutenant-Commander Sleeman, Assistant Naval Secretary, takes a keen interest in the requirements of naval men, and, from time to time, advises the Board in regard to comforts required. The Board is satisfied that all reasonable requirements have been met. Visiting Escorts and Units of the New Zealand Navy. From time to time naval ratings from visiting escorts and men from ships of the New Zealand Navy are catered for at ports of call in New Zealand, and when the absence of these men has been prolonged special arrangements are made by the Board to provide apples, vegetables, and fresh provisions not included in official issues. Entertainment is arranged locally by the Government and the established entertainment organizations and clubs. Y.M.C.A. War Service Committee. On the outbreak of war the Y.M.C.A., which had continued its service with the military forces since the last war, immediately set up a War Service Committee and proceeded to establish its organization on a wartime basis. To enable the Y.M.C.A. to carry on its work until the Patriotic Purposes Regulations were gazetted the Government advanced to that body a loan of £5,000, free of interest, and this amount was subsequently repaid to the Government by the Board. The Y.M.C.A. was appointed a collecting and expending agent of the Board, and thereupon a commencement was made to collect funds for patriotic purposes. In conjunction with the Salvation Army, the Y.M.C.A. conducted on behalf of the Board a " Fighting Services Welfare Appeal" for the provision and equipment of recreation and institution huts and for patriotic purposes generally. During the year grants were made to the Y.M.C.A. totalling £10,245 for the maintenance of military, recreational, and institutional huts and marquees in camps in New Zealand. The net cost of the Y.M.C.A. activities overseas (as agent of the Board) was £1,937. Y.M.C.A. facilities have been provided in thirty-six military and Air Force camps in New Zealand. Ten recreational or institutional huts have been erected or are in the process of completion, and twenty marquees have been used. In the Y.M.C.A. recreational huts facilities are provided for cafeterias and for the playing of table tennis, billiards, darts, and table games of all descriptions. Electric irons are provided in each hut for the use of the men. Post-office and writing facilities are a special feature of these huts. During the year 2,329,250 sheets of writing-paper and 823,325 envelopes were used. A total of thirty-three pianos, thirty-six wireless sets, eighty-four table-tennis tables, and forty-eight billiard-tables have been donated or have been supplied for use in these huts. The Y.M.C.A. recreational huts are available for Church services of all denominations. Where possible, open fireplaces are provided in the huts in order to make them homelike and warm. As in the case of denominational recreational huts, every effort is made to render helpful services to the men, and there is ample evidence that these services have been very much appreciated. The following extracts from letters from men of the forces are typical of many received : — " The facilities provided did much to brighten the routine of camp life, and the ' Y.M.' became the place of relaxation and cheer after strenuous days on the parade-ground." Another letter, signed by 532 men on board a troopship, is self-explanatory:— "We, the undersigned, wish to express our very real appreciation of the efforts of the Y.M.C.A. in general, and its representative, Mr. Briggs, in particular, to provide amusement and distraction during our venture across the oceans. " Without the organization of concerts, sing-songs, and sports, the provision of readingmatter and of writing-materials, there is no doubt that the majority of us would have suffered from melancholia and homesickness, instead of which no detachment has, after seven weeks' sailing away from their homeland, been more cheerful and content —largely due to the constant attention to our needs, by the cheerful personality of Mr. Briggs, your representative." The Board has provided and equipped numerous recreational huts overseas, and these are staffed by Y.M.C.A. men, as representatives of the Board, with occasional assistance from men of the forces. Under the leadership of Mr. H. Shove, twelve Y.M.C.A. secretaries are serving with the men of the New Zealand Forces overseas. As the men have been moved out into the desert the Y.M.C.A. service has become more mobile, and many visits have been paid by Y.M.C.A. men to the men on outpost duty, or to those on special training duty in the desert. In many cases special canteen services have been provided in order to meet the more urgent needs of the men. In Cairo a special united Y.M.C.A. hut was built, and, with the aid of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. and local citizens, a most attractive centre has been provided for the use of the men.

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The organization of Patriotic Fund Board activities in Egypt is carried out from a central hut, which was provided by the Board. A Committee, representative of the Y.M.C.A. officers, N.C.O.s, and men of each unit is responsible for arranging entertainment programmes, and for supervising libraries and writing and reading rooms attached to regimental institutes. A special feature of the activities of the Y.M.C.A. is the arranging of concerts, community sings, card parties, lectures, debates, and tours to places of interest. Reports from Egypt indicate that many initial difficulties have been experienced by the Y.M.C.A. organization in providing services to scattered units in the Western Desert, and that Mr. V. Jones and Mr. E. Long have spared no pains in arranging for services to be made available. At times Army trucks have been obtained for the purpose of conveying canteen and gift goods to outposts. In regard to the Y.M.C.A. work with the New Zealand Forces in England, Mr. H. Shove reports that as the troops have been constantly on the move, assistance has had to be obtained from the English Y.M.C.A. headquarters in order to cope with the work involved. Four mobile units have been provided, and these vans are taken long distances every day, distributing on an average 122 gallons of tea each day. One tea-van was provided from a special Lowry Fund, and this was placed in charge of Mr. Lowry's daughter and her husband (Mr. and Mrs. Chapman). In London rooms were opened at Charing Cross for use by men of the New Zealand Forces. Trips have been arranged to places of interest, and special attention has been given to the provision of " Leave Hospitality." One report from England states " The long fast-closing winter evenings set us a new problem. In twelve small villages we have arranged for halls and places where the boys can go. Each one is staffed by voluntary lady helpers. Some are located in barns, some in halls, one in a school, another in a disused glasshouse, another in a hall which used to be a licensed club. In these places we are providing billiards, table tennis, darts, reading-matter, and. writing-material. In order to make life interesting and bright, we procured a mobile movie unit—this works day and night." Mr. R. M. Brasted, General Secretary of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A., has worked in close collaboration with the Board not only in regard to the provision of services within the camps in New Zealand, but also in regard to the activities of the Y.M.C.A. officers with the forces overseas, and the efficient services rendered by him have materially assisted the Board in carrying out its multifarious duties in widely distributed spheres. The Salvation Army. This is another of the larger established national-welfare organizations which has placed its services and resources at the disposal of the Board for the purpose of helping in the common effort. During the year under review the Salvation Army, as a collecting agent of the Board, co-operated in the " Fighting Services Welfare Appeal," and acted as an expending agent of the Board. The Board has provided and equipped huts and marquees in various mobilization camps for the use of the Salvation Army, and the reports indicate that this organization is rendering most valuable service in assisting to look after the comfort and entertainment of the men. In his report to the Board the Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army stated : — " This record of our appreciation of the facilities granted by your Board takes cognizance of the consideration shown us by His Excellency the Governor-General, as Chairman of the Board, and each member thereof." In some mobilization camps the Salvation Army and the Y.M.C.A. have combined in using facilities provided by the Board, and in this connection the report of the Salvation Army states : —- " As a deliberate policy we have sought to avoid any competition with other activities of a like nature. Where we have considered the service and activities adequate to the need, we have withheld the establishment of a social centre ; on the other hand, where we have considered the need to be apparent we have not hesitated to act promptly. Such action in every case has, we happily reflect, received the endorsement of your Board." The provision of a portable cinema plant has enabled the Salvation Army to assist in the entertainment of the troops and hospital patients in the Wellington area. At all times the Board has received valuable and ready assistance from Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Hayes, Secretary for War Services, Salvation Army, who, with others, have regularly visited various guard posts and stations in the Wellington area, with the object of ascertaining the requirements of these men and making them more comfortable. As a result, reading-matter, writing-materials, radiators, immersion heaters, radios, woollen comforts, and sports gear have been supplied by the Board to the Salvation Army for distribution to men at the more exposed and isolated stations. The expense of this organization acting as an agent of the Board to 30th September, 1940, was £4,343 2s. Id. Church op England Military Affairs Committee. From the beginning of the war to the 30th April, 1940, the Church of England Military Affairs Committee carried on its own war-relief activities under an exemption to the Patriotic Purposes Emergency Regulations 1939. The report of the secretary of this organization shows that during that time £13,315 18s. 6d. was donated by Church congregations for work among men in the armed forces. Active work in the various camps was carried on through the agency of the New Zealand Church Army. Marquees were at first erected in mobilization camps and at other stations, and later these were replaced to a large extent by permanent huts which, with the furniture, involved a capital outlay of £6,853 9s. lOd. Following the adoption of an amalgamated scheme under the segis of the National Patriotic Fund Board on Ist May, 1940, the capital assets of the Church of England Military Affairs Committee (valued at £7,153 9s. lOd.) and a cash balance of £2,397 15s. 9d. were handed over to the National Board.

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In the United Kingdom marquees and chapel tents were erected for the use of the New Zealand soldiers there, and at the New Zealand Services Club, London, a chapel and writing-room on the top floor of the premises was made available for the use of New Zealand troops. In addition to overseas work considerable expansion of the activities of the Church of England Military Affairs Committee has taken place in New Zealand following the creation of new mobilization camps. Marquees or huts have been erected in the new training centres, and, where necessary, existing premises have been enlarged to meet increasing demands. The policy of the Church Army, as in the case of other church recreational huts, is to ensure that there should be an atmosphere of quiet in the huts and establishments under its control in military camps, and reports indicate that this has been highly appreciated by the troops. The following is an extract from the report of a Church Army Officer stationed at one of the New Zealand Camps in England : — " Though the work has been strenuous there have been many bright moments. The amenities provided in our marquee have been highly appreciated by the men, if numbers attending may be taken as an indication. Frequently we have as many as 400 men assembled reading, writing, resting, or listening to the radio, &c. Battalion concerts have been held on four occasions with attendances up to 750." The reports received indicate that the keen desire on the part of those associated with this organization to render a maximum service to our men has been highly appreciated. Catholic War Services Fund Board. This Board was established on the 7th July, 1940, for the purpose of assuming control of Catholic huts already established at Papakura, Trentham, and Burnham. As from the 30th June, 1940, the assets of the Catholic War Services Fund Board, to a value of £3,289 3s. 6d., were taken over by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and liabilities amounting to £1,438 ss. 4d. were discharged. All previous donations given by Catholic congregations for war relief work were considered to have been made to the National Patriotic Fund Board. Henceforward activities of the Catholic War Services Fund Board will be financed from the National Patriotic Fund. The recreational huts managed by this Board are conducted on similar lines to those of other national welfare and church organizations, and entertainment and buffet facilities are provided where possible. Proposals are in hand for the provision of a Catholic Service Hut at the mobilization camp at Waiouru. Other Religious Bodies. The impression may be gained from the foregoing that the religious bodies not mentioned are not assisted by the National Patriotic Fund Board. The position is that practically all Churches, other than those mentioned, work in conjunction with the Y.M.C.A. In addition to this, all Padres on active service overseas are allowed by the Board a weekly allowance for their out-of-pocket expenses among the troops. Joint Council op the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society. This organization is an approved agent of the Board for the collection and expenditure of patriotic funds, and the funds collected by it are specially earmarked for the relief of the sick, wounded, and distressed. At the outbreak of the war this organization, like other established social welfare groups, readily adapted its existing machinery for the purpose of assisting in the war effort, and during the year it has, with the other organizations, played an important part in the collection and expenditure of funds for patriotic purposes. The activities of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society include the provision of medical comforts for departing troops, the organization of depots in the main centres in New Zealand for the collection and despatch of gift goods for hospital ships and base hospitals, comforts for convalescent patients in New Zealand and overseas, inquiries for relatives in enemy territories, and general work associated with the alleviating of suffering and distress, comforts for convalescent patients from camps, convalescent homes, voluntary aids, general hospitals, and fieldambulance work. Sick and Wounded Fund. The position of this fund as at 30th September, 1940, was as follows : — £ Receipts .. .. .. .. .. 591,659 Payments .. .. .. .. .. 133,444 Balance .. .. .. .. .. £458,215 Among the special items of expenditure were :— £10,239 to the respective Centre Committees for materials for comforts and to Head Office for medical instruments, occupational therapy bursaries: £6,187 for wool and sundry comforts: £622 10s. Norwegian Red Cross: £12,500 Red Cross and St. John, London : £2,500 Belgium Red Cross : £100,000 London Distress Fund (£73,000 since recovered from moneys specially donated for this fund).

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Air Force Rblations. This body, which has branches at or near the various Air Force camps throughout New Zealand, is an approved agent of the Board, and as such gives special attention to the requirements of men attached to the R.N.Z.A.F. At the Wellington headquarters canteen facilities are provided for Air Force men who are entertained at the club-rooms while passing through Wellington. The Air Force Relations distributes wool to its voluntary helpers, and despatches the knitted garments to men of the R.N.Z.A.F. in New Zealand and abroad. In addition, hussifs of a special type made by voluntary helpers are given to all Air Force men proceeding overseas. During the period under review seventeen cases containing foodstuffs and woollen garments were sent to England by the Air Force Relations. During the same period £4,000 was collected by the Air Force Relations for patriotic purposes, and this amount has been credited to the National Patriotic Fund. In general the Air Force Relations, which is under the able guidance of Mrs. Saunders, chairwoman, acts for the Board in providing comforts for New Zealand Air Force men, and the special services rendered are highly appreciated by the men concerned. Air Force Trainees. The provision of comforts for Air Force trainees en route to overseas stations is a responsibility of the Board, and every effort is made to provide these men with comforts to a standard comparable with that supplied to other arms of the Service. At times small cash grants are made in lieu of gifts. Comforts for Distribution Overseas. A supply of comforts is placed on board every troopship leaving New Zealand, and arrangements are made with the Army authorities for the equal distribution of these comforts to men on the voyage. During the year Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. F. Waite, D.5.0., M.L.C., was appointed the Board's Overseas Commissioner to supervise the work of distribution of comforts to the overseas forces. Since his arrival in England he has been carrying out the work of distributing comforts to New Zealand units, and has also acted as the Board's representative in purchasing gift goods found necessary in the light of investigations made on the spot. Mr. Victor Jones, secretary of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. in Egypt, was appointed the Board's agent there, and up to the time he resigned to take a commission with the forces he had performed valuable work for the Board in distributing comforts to the New Zealand units in Egypt. Mr. Jones has been succeeded by Mr. F. E. S. Long. The regular reports received from these representatives indicate the value of having actual representatives of the Board with the forces. When the Second Echelon arrived in England the High Commissioner for New Zealand, with the assistance of voluntary helpers in London, established a War Services Association at his office in the Strand, and valuable assistance was rendered through this Association in distributing gift parcels from New Zealand, and in entertaining New Zealand soldiers on leave in London. Despatch and Distribution of Gift Goods. Part of the Board's activities is the procuring, assembling, sorting, classifying, packing, and arranging transport of gift goods to the various overseas base camps, to overseas transports, and to Navy, Army, and Air Force camps and stations. This work, which is carried out by the Board in Wellington, not only includes the handling of goods purchased in bulk by the Board, but also gift goods from all provinces. Gift library books are assembled in Wellington and classified by the War Library Service, but the responsibility for packing and transporting is in charge of the Board's staff. One interesting part of the work performed in Wellington is carried out by a " Salvage Squad " whose duty it is to reclaim wool from rejected knitted garments, and to apportion the work of reknitting to various organizations. The sorting and packing of gift goods, often at short notice, involves much work. On one occasion 1,160 cases of gift parcels were prepared for despatch within twenty-four hours after notification of the available space had been received, and the next day this was followed by twenty-three cases, representing a total weight of 83 tons of gift goods. The work involved in extra servicing troopships at short notice is indicated by the following typical example of goods placed on board one troopship before leaving New Zealand : 65,000 cigarettes, 1J reams of blotting-paper, 3,000 books cigarette-papers, 900 song-books, 12£ dozen crib boards, 15 dozen darts, 5 dozen dart-boards, 60 quoit-pegs, 60 sets quoit-rings, 35 dozen draught boards and men, 108,000 envelopes, 8 dozen mouth-organs, 2,000 hymnbooks, 1,440 New Testaments, 2,500 games, 60 dozen pencils, 15 gross of pens, 30 gross of nibs, 4 gross of playing-cards, 20 dozen ping-pong balls, 8 dozen ping-pong bats, 15 dozen skipping-ropes, 6 fulllength feature films, 288,000 sheets writing-paper, 1,500 books, 2,500 periodicals, 1 battery set to each unit, and 360 cases of apples. Frequently urgent requisitions on the Board necessitate the calling in of voluntary women workers. Extra work has been carried out on behalf of the Board by Mrs. R. Johnston, who has for sometime given her service continuously in an honorary capacity. In emergencies Mrs. Johnston arranges her own corps of voluntary workers, and the work performed by these ladies is much appreciated. Several packing staffs of leading merchants in Wellington assist the Board with the packing of the goods when required, and this work is arranged by the Wellington Branch of the Packers' Union, headed by Mr. Ramsden, president. Before troopships depart inquiries are made by the Board's officers regarding the supply of fresh fruit and amenities for troops on the voyage, and additional supplies are arranged where necessary. Accommodation for ship libraries and for gift officers on troopships is also arranged by the Board. In addition to assistance accorded by staffs of various organizations, valuable help is given to the Board by various firms in providing empty tin-lined cases, required to case goods forwarded to base camps.

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The following table shows the number of knitted articles handled by the Board. These were knitted by the women of New Zealand from wool obtained by the National Patriotic Fund Board for the Provincial Patriotic Councils, and the Board desires to record its appreciation of the splendid service rendered in this connection : —

Knitted Garments issued and on Hand at 30th September, 1940.

In addition to the foregoing, approximately 2,400 khaki pay-book covers and 20,395 Army hussifs have been made by the women of Now Zealand, and issued through the Board to the Director of Ordnance Services. To the end of September, 1910, the Navy Office has been supplied with 1,877 Navy hussifs, and the Air Force Relations issued 966 hussifs. Conveyance of Comforts Free of Charge. The Board desires to express its appreciation of the action of the Overseas Shipowners' Allotment Committee, the Government, the Harbour Boards, and transport organizations generally in handling and conveying comforts free of charge. Provision of Bands. A considerable amount of work has been entailed in securing band instruments for various bands for the armed forces. The donation of many band instruments and pianos has assisted considerably in equipping camp bands and huts in Now Zealand and overseas. The total expenditure under this heading was £1,728 17s. 3d. Mobile Units. Before the financial year closed consideration was being given to the question of providing mobile units for use at various base camps overseas. Provision of Tobacco and Cigarettes for Troops Overseas. Owing to the heavy Customs duty on individually addressed gift parcels containing tobacco and cigarettes sent to Egypt, the Board was forced to advise senders of such parcels not to include tobacco or cigarettes. Reports from Egypt indicate that there is an almost insatiable demand for cigarettes and tobacco, and in supplying comforts every effort is being made to meet this demand. Arrangements have been made for New Zealand tobacco and cigarettes to be stocked by the N.A.A.F.I. Canteen, and by the New Zealand Forces Club, Cairo, as well as in other spheres where New Zealand men are engaged, and this has been appreciated by the men. Publicity. The Board is indebted to the editors of newspapers throughout the Dominion and to various advertising agencies for the assistance they have given in the various appeals made on behalf of patriotic funds. The Board also wishes to extend its thanks to the many publishers who have supplied current issues of newspapers free of charge to the various libraries, military stations, and hospitals throughout the country. In order to make the work of the Board and its allied organizations more fully known, and to assist npxt-of'kin and friends with suggestions regarding suitable types of gift goods to be sent overseas, the Board arranged for the publication and distribution of a general information booklet entitled " Comforts for Men in the Armed Forces," and this booklet was widely distributed throughout the country. The Board is indebted to Mr. Allan Sutherland for his work in compiling this booklet, and to the publishers, Messrs. Thomas Avery and Son, Ltd., New Plymouth, for their public-spirited action in offering to print the booklet without profit to themselves. The thanks of the Board are also due to the members of the staff of this publishing firm for working overtime without pay in producing the booklet.

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Bala- Gloves Socks 0 n „ Skull Linine clavas. (Pairs). (Pairs). Mlttens ' Scarves ' PuUover8 - Caps. Glovef. Army Department .. 307 .. 8 27 182 8 Air Force Relations .. 1,888 1,083 52 405 863 43 Air Department .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. 9 Navy Department .. 4,475 20 452 1,597 2,787 167 Navy League .. .. 1,101 .. 96 236 617 1 96 Consigned overseas to 11,856 .. .. 2,664 4,179 Board's Commissioner 19,627 1,103 609 4,929 8,628 219 105 Direct issues from Air 1,376 856 185 1,469 1,667 2,101 .. 1,212 Force Relations Stocks on hand .. 11,799 134 434 12,732 6,157 345 197 Totals .. .. 32,802 2,093 1,228 19,130 16,452 2,665 302 1,212

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The Board desires to express its appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Director of the National Broadcasting Service and the Controller of the National Commercial Broadcasting Service, whose aid has been of material assistance in making known appeals for funds for comforts for men in the armed forces. The thanks of the Board are also due to the Government and the National Broadcasting Service for making available to the Board for concerts in aid of the patriotic funds the services of celebrity artists who were under contract to the Government. War Library Service. During the year valuable work was performed by various organizations in providing suitable reading-material for men in camps in New Zealand and overseas. The preparation of a scheme for the regular supply of suitable reading-material for Navy, Army, and Air Force men was entrusted to Mr. G. T. Alley, of the Country Library Service, who has been ably assisted by the New Zealand Library Association. During the year under review approximately 55,000 books and 54,000 periodicals were despatched to camps, troopships, hospitals, and coastal stations. Much assistance in the collection of books and periodicals has been given to the Board by the Country Library Service, the N.Z.R.S.A., the Boy Scouts Association, the Post and Telegraph Department, and other bodies. Books and periodicals donated or supplied are classified, and the better types of books are specially catalogued and placed in camp reference libraries, while others are placed on board troopships or are supplied to the smaller units. Regular Supply op Newspapers and Periodicals. A representative selection of daily and weekly newspapers is purchased by the Board and despatched to New Zealand base hospitals and camp libraries overseas. In addition, local camp libraries are supplied with current newspapers and periodicals. Record of Gifts and Amenities of a Semi-permanent Nature. A careful check is kept on gifts and amenities of a semi-permanent nature supplied by the Board to camps and stations in New Zealand and elsewhere. These gifts are taken on charge by the Departments controlling the fighting forces, so that the articles can be identified and, where possible, recovered at the conclusion of hostilities. For the most part expenditure on goods of this nature will bo nonrecurring. Huts provided by the National Patriotic Fund Board at Various Camps and Stations in New Zealand and Overseas up to 30th September, 1940. In New r. Zealand. Overseas. Y.M.C.A. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 2 Salvation Army.. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Church of England Military Affairs Committee .. .. 5 Catholic War Services Fund Board .. .. .. 4 In addition, many marquees have been supplied and used as recreation centres oy the organizations named. Conferences. From time to time conferences of representatives of Provincial Patriotic Councils and associated organizations have been held for the purpose of discussing policy and general questions and, where necessary, improving existing procedure in the light of experience. These conferences have resulted in a fuller understanding of the purposes of the regulations and have done much to make for the smooth working of the patriotic organization as a whole. Lady Galway Patriotic Guild. During the year the Lady Galway Guild was founded by Her Excellency Lady Galway for the purpose of making, collecting, and forwarding clothing for war refugees. Approximately 600 tons (cubic measurement) of clothing and footwear, &c., have been shipped from New Zealand to assist refugees in stricken areas, and this work is continuing. Honorary Purchasing Officer. In order to obtain the fullest supervision over the expenditure of the funds of the National Patriotic Fund Board in the purchase of gift goods for men of the armed forces, Mr. G. C. McCaul, ex-President of the Chamber of Commerce, was appointed to act as Honorary Purchasing Officer in a consultative capacity. British and Foreign Bible Society. Arrangements have been made for the provision of pocket-size New Testaments for members of the armed forces. One-third of the cost is being met by the above Society and two-thirds by the Board. The provision of prayer books for Catholic troops and books of Psalms for Jewish troops has also been arranged. General. Indirectly the activities of the Board extend through Provincial Patriotic Councils to all parts of New Zealand, and directly to England, Egypt, Canada, and Greece, as well as to other areas where New Zealand Navy, Army, and Air Force personnel are stationed. The thanks of the Board are due to the co-operating organizations in New Zealand and overseas, the Permanent Heads of the armed forces, the voluntary helpers in New Zealand, and to the citizens themselves for the generous assistance which has enabled the Board to function as a collective representative of the people in providing comforts to all members of the armed forces. In the final analysis the success of the Board's activities rests with the contributors to patriotic funds, and at all times the Board welcomes suggestions from the same source in order to make the best use of the funds collected.

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Collection of Scrap Metal. The Board initiated a scheme for the collection of scrap metals through schools, and subsequently the administration of this scheme was undertaken by the National Council for the Reclamation of Waste Material. Patriotic Work by Natives in Pacific Islands. A splendid response in money and goods for patriotic purposes has been obtained from the Natives of the Cook Islands. The quality of woollen comforts from this source bears testimony to the care and whole-hearted co-operation of the people in these outlying islands in assisting in the war effort. Balance-sheet. To the end of September, 1940, £758,688, including donations for specific purposes, had been contributed to the National Patriotic Fund. This is additional to the amounts collected by the Provincial Patriotic Councils. The administrative expenses of the Board were 015 per cent. (3s. in each £100) of the total amount received. The administrative expenses include the travelling-expenses of the Board's Overseas Commissioner to England and other items such as stationery, postage, &c. Total disbursements to 30th September, 1940, were approximately £227,000. This figure includes capital expenditure. A considerable proportion of the money spent in New Zealand is of a nonrecurring nature, such as the cost of providing and equipping recreational huts and the provision of sports gear and other standard recreational facilities at camps. At the close of the year preparations were being made for the launching of the £1,000,000 appeal by the various Provincial Patriotic Councils, and Major J. Abel, V.D., had been appointed Honorary Organizer for this appeal. The balance-sheet, together with statements of receipts and payments, income and expenditure, and of donations and administrative costs of the Board and Provincial Patriotic Councils, are attached. Personnel of the Board. During the year the. Board suffered a loss through the death of Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., who had rendered able assistance in the early stages of the Board's activities. The vacancy thus caused was filled by the appointment of Mr. Charles Todd, of Wellington. All the members of the Board are busy men, and their attendance at Board meetings and Standing Committee meetings has involved considerable sacrifice of their time. During the year ended 30th September, 1940, six Board meetings were held and the Standing Committee of the Board met on twenty-two occasions. The personnel of the Board is : — His Excellency the Governor-General (Chairman). Hon. Mark Pagan, M.L.C. (Deputy-Chairman). Right Hon. J. G. Coates, P.C., M.C., M.P. Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C. Mr. L. O. H. Tripp, 0.8. E. Sir Robert Anderson, Kt., C.M.G. Mr. T. A. Duncan. Mr. F. W. Schramm, M.P. Mr. W. Mulholland. Mr. Tai Mitchell, C.M.G. Mr. J. Roberts. Mr. J. T. Paul. Mr. B. C. Ash win. Mr. Charles Todd. Staff'. The Board records its appreciation of the efficient service rendered by the staff in coping with the multifarious duties necessarily associated with a national comforts organization. Owing to the fact that men are sometimes despatched overseas at short notice, and from different parts of the country, the labour involved in supplying comforts for use on troopships and at base camps has called for much hard work and organization. This has involved the staff in a great deal of overtime. The Board wishes to record its appreciation of the willing and untiring efforts not only of the staff, but also of the voluntary helpers in cheerfully performing these extra duties. The Board wishes to express its appreciation of the generous action of the Government in paying the salaries of the staff and the rent of the Board's offices. This has resulted in every penny collected for patriotic purposes being spent on the purpose for which it was raised, apart from incidental office expenses associated with postages, stationery, &c. This report would not be complete if the work of those organizations already mentioned was not specially acknowledged. The Y.M.C.A. War Services Committee, the Salvation Army, the Church of England Military Affairs Committee, the Catholic War Services Fund Board, the New Zealand Navy League War Council, and the Air Force Relations, with the aid of their thousands of voluntary helpers, have assisted the Board in many ways, and to them the Board owes a deep debt of gratitude. To the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society the Board owes special thanks for its work and assistance in connection with the»raising of funds for the care of the sick, wounded, and distressed. To the heads of the Government Departments and their staffs, and particularly to the executives of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, the Board extends its grateful thanks for their co-operation and assistance. The Board also expresses its thanks to members of the National Patriotic Council and to members of the eleven Provincial Patriotic Councils, their secretaries, and their numerous voluntary helpers, without whose untiring energy and zeal a great deal of the work accomplished would have been mpossible of achievement. This report covers the period to 30th September, 1940. Many new activities and arrangements have subsequently been made to provide for the, comforts of men in the armed forces, but as these fall outside the scope of the year under review they are not referred to herein. For and on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund Board— Geo. A. Hayden, Secretary-Treasurer.

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In some provincial districts separate appeals were not made for the Fighting Services Welfare Appeal and the Sick, Wounded, and Distress Appeal. In lieu of such appeals the Provincial Councils in these districts made direct grants to National Patriotic Fund. These grants are included under Donations to the National Patriotic Fund, and have been deducted from Donations to the Provincial Council making such grant.

Statement of Donations to and Expenditure from Patriotic Funds for the Year ended 30th September, 1940.

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Percentage of Expenditure on ■j« r ■ t 4 i m , , Administration Administration approved Patriotic Balance of Funds, Donations. Interest. Total. Expenses to Expenses. Purposes and 30th September, 1940. | Donations. Sundries. National Patriotic Fund — £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. General Fund .. .. .. 169,039 5 5 453 9 3 169,492 14 8 \ nl - / 567 8 11 90,200 6 3* 78,724 19 6 Sick and Wounded Fund .. .. 589,650 8 11 2,008 13 9 591,659 2 8 / \ 567 8 11 132,875 14 8 458,215 19 1 Auckland .. .. .. .. 39,667 11 7 20 14 3 39,688 5 10 5-1 2,023 0 0 13,607 19 8 24,057 6 2 Canterbury .. .. .. .. 53,489 3 8 .. 53.489 3 8 0-8 431 6 7 14,040 6 5 39,017 10 8 East Coast .. .. .. .. 9,146 8 11 .. 9,146 8 11 1-55 142 10 9 885 9 4 8,118 8 10 Hawke'sBay .. .. .. 7,200 7 10 .. 7,200 7 10 3-68 265 3 4 1,714 16 11 5,220 7 7 Marlborough .. .. .. 6,045 11 8 .. 6,045 11 8 0-56 34 2 0 1,139 11 3 4,871 18 5 Nelson ... .. .. .. 18,157 5 5 .. 18,157 5 5 0-56 103 19 11 946 15 3 17,106 10 3 Otago .. .. .. .. 33,775 5 7 325 7 1 34,100 12 8 4-9 1,670 7 2 6,650 15 5 25,779 10 1 Southland .. . .. .. 44,893 14 3 3 2 6 44,896 16 9 1-3 580 18 8 2,885 15 0 41.430 3 1 Taranaki .. .. .. .. 11,940 2 6 .. 11.940 2 6 1-55 186 7 8 1,888 12 2 9,865 2 8 Wellington . .. .. .. 31,541 12 1 .. 31,541 12 1 2-14 675 3 9 7,143 19 0 23,772 9 4 Westland .. 11,353 5 6 11 : 353 5 6 0-07 7 15 11 1,500 3 4 9,845 6 3 1,025,900 3 4 2,811 6 10 1,028,711 10 2 0-7 7,255 13 7 275,480 4 8 745,975 11 11 * Capital expenditure totalling £36,602 included.

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NATIONAL PATRIOTIC FUND BOARD. SICK AND WOUNDED ACCOUNT. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Period 4th October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940. Receipts. £ Payments. Donations .. .. .. .. .. 566,876 Grants — £ £ Donations to London Distress Fund .. .. 2,237 Joint Council of the Order of St. John and Interest on investments .. .. .. .. 605 New Zealand Red Cross Society .. 10,239 Red Cross war organizations in Great Britain and allied countries .. .. .. 15,572 ♦London Distress Fund .. .. 100,000 125,811 Comforts for sick and wounded .. .. .. 6,104 Board and office expenses: Half-share . . .. 443 Investments— Bank deposits .. .. .. .. 60,000 Treasury bills .. .. .. .. 355,000 415,000 Balances with Imprestees : Contingency funds overseas to provide comforts for the sick and wounded members of New Zealand forces— Egypt .. .. .. .. 5,743 England .. .. .. .. 12,450 18,193 Balance in New Zealand .. .. . . .. 4,167 £569,718 £569,718 £ Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,167 '■* Proceeds from appeal being made throughout New Zealand will be credited against this grant. Statement of Income and Expenditure for the Period 4th October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940. Expenditure. £ £ Income. £ Grants — Donations .. .. .. .. .. 587,413 Joint Council of the Order of St. John and Donations to London Distress Fund .. .. 2,237 New Zealand Red Cross Society .. 10,239 Interest on investments .. .. .. .. 2,009 Red Cross war organizations in Great Britain and allied countries .. .. .. 15,572 London Distress Fund .. .. 100,000 125,811 Comforts for sick and wounded .. .. 7,064 Board and office expenses : Half-share .. .. 568 Balance, transferred to accumulated funds .. .. 458,216 £591,659 £591,659 GENERAL FUND. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Period 4th October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940. Receipts. £ Payments. Donations .. .. .. .. .. 157,464 Grants to New Zealand Welfare organizations for Donations for specific purposes — £ provision of comforts for troops — £ £ Lowry Hut .. .. .. .. 10,000 Catholic War Services Fund .. .. 286 New Zealand Naval Division .. .. 500 Church of England Military Affairs Committee 2,608 10,500 Navy League War Council .. .. 176 Contributions from Provincial Patriotic Councils towards Salvation Army War Services Fund .. 4,343 comforts on troopships .. .. .. .. 1,760 Y.M.C.A. War Services Fund .. .. 10,245 Interest on investments .. .. .. .. 280 17,658 Donations to special funds— £ Grants to Patriotic Organizations in New Zealand : Lady Bagpipes Fund .. .. .. .. 58 Galway Patriotic Guild .. .. .. .. 546 B.M.A. War Service Fund .. .. 1,813 Grants for specific purposes: Y.M.C.A. Lowry grant .. 10,000 1,871 Donations in trust remitted — £ Donations in trust— Anglo-French Solidarity Committee .. 2,500 Anglo-French Solidarity Committee .. 2,500 British Comforts Funds .. .. .. 250 British Comforts Funds .. .. .. 250 ' British Red Cross .. .. .. 2,805 British Red Cross .. .. .. 4,806 French Red Cross .. .. .. 500 French Red Cross .. .. .. 500 Polish Relief Fund .. .. .. 19 Parcels Fund .. .. .. .. 2 6,074 Polish Relief Fund .. .. .. 19 Grants to patriotic organizations overseas .. .. 4,291 8,077 Special funds— Bagpipes Fund .. . . .. .. 15 B.M.A. War Service Fund .. .. 368 383 Comforts for troops— Convoys for transports .. .. .. 871 Troops on transports .. .. .. 5,820 Troops overseas .. .. .. 12,129 Troops in New Zealand .. .. .. 1,924 Regimental funds provided .. .. 895 Military bands equipment .. . . 1,729 Library service .. .. .. .. 97 23,465 Carried forward .. .. .. .. 179,952 Carried forward .. .. .. .. 62,417

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NATIONAL PATRIOTIC FUND BOARD—continued. " GENERAL FUND—continued. Statement op Receipts and Payments foe the Period 4th October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940 —continued. Receipts—continued. Payments—continued. £ £ £ Brought forward .. .. .. .. 179,952 Brought forward .. .. .. .. 62,417 Air Force Relations organization— Furniture and fittings .. .. .. 150 General expenditure on comforts, &c. .. 1,377 1,527 Wool for knitting comforts .. .. .. 11,424 Leas recovered from Provincial Councils or charged under other headings .. .. 11,238 • 186 Recreational huts in military camps .. .. .. 20,538 Furniture and equipment in recreational huts, &c. .. 11,644 Papakura Hostel for troops .. .. .. 1,300 Patriotic songs for resale .. .. .. .. 84 Comforts in stock .. .. .. .. .. 2,012 Stores depot— Furniture and fittings .. .. .. 85 Expenses: General .. .. .. 231 — 316 General expenses — Freight and cartage .. .. .. 646 Insurance .. .. .. .. 5 651 Board and office expenses — Postages and telegrams .. .. 173 Printing and stationery .. .. 201 Salaries and allowances .. .. 182 Sundry expenses .. .. .. 45 Travelling allowances and expenses .. 285 886 Half-share .. .. .. .. 443 Office equipmentFurniture and fittings .. .. .. 73 Mechanical appliances .. .. .. 188 261 Investments : Treasury bills .. .. .. 65,000 Balances with Imprestees : Contingency funds— Egypt • • 473 England .. .. .. .. 1,802 2 275 Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,298 £179,952 £179,952 £ Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,298 Note.—The rent of premises and salaries of staff of the National Patriotic Fund Board are met from the Public Account. Statement op Income and Expenditure por Period 4th October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940. Expenditure. £ Income. £ Grants to New Zealand welfare organizations for pro- Donations .. .. .. .. .. 159,039 vision of comforts for troops .. .. .. 16,720 Donations for specific purposes — £ Grants to patriotic organizations in New Zealand .. 546 Lowry Hutt .. .. .. . 10,000 Grants for specific purposes .. .. . 10,000 New Zealand Naval Division .. . 500 Grants to patriotic organizations overseas .. .. 3,649 10,500 Comforts for troops in New Zealand and overseas . . 22,355 Contributions from Provincial Councils towards comforts Air Force Relations organization .. .. .. 1,658 on troopships .. .. .. .. .. 1,760 Stores Depot: Expenses .. .. .. . . 245 Interest on investments .. .. .. .. 454 General expenses: Freight .. .. . • 685 Board and office expenses (£1,134) : Half-share .. 567 Balance to Accumulated Funds Account .. .. 115,328 £171,753 £171,753

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NATIONAL PATRIOTIC FUND BOARD —continued. GENERAL FUND—continued. Balance-sheet as at 30th September, 1940. Liabilities. Assets. £ Special funds — £ £ Recreational huts in military camps: At cost .. 28,700 Bagpipes Fund .. .. .. 43 Papakura Hostel: At cost .. .. .. .. 1,300 B.M.A. War Service Funds .. .. 1,782 Furniture and Equipment: At cost— 1,825 Recreational huts .. .. .. 13,014 Donations in trust— Air Force Relations organization .. .. 150 Parcels Account .. .. .. 2 Stores depot .. .. .. .. 85 British Red Cross .. .. .. 2,001 Office .. .. .. .. .. 79 2,003 13,328 Sundry creditors .. .. .. .. 5,304 Mechanical appliances .. .. .. .. 188 Accumulated funds — £ Comforts in stock .. .. .. .. .. 2,016 Sick and Wounded Fund .. .. 458,216 Patriotic songs .. .. .. .. .. 84 General Fund.. .. .. 115,328 Expenditure paid in advance .. .. .. 26 Assets taken over from Church of Accrued interest .. .. .. .. .. 1,578 England Military Affairs Com- Donations, &c., in hands of authorized collectors .. 24,933 mittee and Catholic War Ser- Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. .. 3,603 vices Fund Board .. .. 9,013 Investments — 124,341 Treasury bills .. .. .. ..420,000 582,557 Bank deposits .. .. .. .. 60,000 480,000 Contingency funds (balances of imprests)— Egypt .. .. .. .. .. 6,216 England .. .. .. 14,252 20,468 Cash— In hand .. .. .. .. 11 Bank .. .. .. .. .. 15,454 — 15,465 £591,689 £591,689 Contingent Asset. —Salvage value of furnishings, radio, &c., supplied to Army, Navy, and Air Force messes and guard posts in New Zealand and overseas. Geo. A. Hayden, Secretary and Treasurer. I hereby certify that the Statements of Receipts and Payments, Statements of Income and Expenditure, and the Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby, subject to the further examination of certain collectors' receipt-books by the Public Accountant appointed by the Audit Office to audit the records of the Sick, Wounded, and Distress Appeal.—Cyeil G. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,655 copies), £27.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94l.

Price 6d.\

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