HOSPITAL SHIP FUND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3997, 2 August 1915, Page 6

HOSPITAL SHIP FUND.

£47,048 17s. SUBSCRIBED

HIS EXCELLENCY’S PROPOSALS

(Press Association Telegram.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. In connection with the ‘Hospital Ship Fund, a letter from His Excellency tlie Governor states that the actual amount subscribed to the fund amounted to £47,548 17s, which far exceeded His Excellency’s expectations. ’File actual’ amount expended in equipment will be approximately £16,000. In many instances, articles which it was never thought likely would be forwarded were donated, with the result that the oouipment was carried, out at considerably less cost than was anticipated. His Excellency further states that he thought it desirable to call in certain gentlemen to assist him with their advice as to the administration of the surplus. These gentlemen are j the Hon. Colonel J. Allen, Messrs A. Myers. Brigadier-General A. Robin, and their Worships the Mayors of Wellington. Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. ’The letter adds: “I have, during the last few weeks, been in close communication with all the centres abroad where our wounded are located, and have .got definite information ‘that they are receiving every possible attention. This has been further confirmed by personal letters from the men to myself and, where men . have been scattered, arrangements have ! been made to keep in close touch with them. Where, however, I propose to devote my chief attention at the present time is to those sick and i wounded at present jn England. Lord j Plunket, who is chairman of the New ! Zealand committee in Great Britain for assisting our sick and wounded, has acquired an auxiliary hospital at Walton-on-Thames called Mount Felix which will accommodate some 110 beds, but which, lie assures me,' can he extended to carry 300 or -100 beds, and which needs considerable support. ! He* further adds that this scheme has j tlie full concurrevce of the Army Council. “bet it be distinctly borne in mind that, the Imperial Government has made adequate arrangements for tlie care of New Zealand sick and wounded, but they cannot necessarily guarantee that they can he located in one hospital, and it is for this reason the New Zealanders at Home, have started this institution, which is assisted by the New Zealand Government,, the Imperial Government, and private contributions. It is readily understood that it is a great, boon .to the wounded to be associated with their' own comrades.” His Excellency concludes, as the head of the Order of St. John in New Zealand, by thanking the .several shipping companies who trade direct with tlie United Kingdom and New Zealand for having so generously carried ' various hospital requirements free since the comiiioneeinent of the war. The P. and O. and Orient companies have allotted, certain space for the same purpose*, and all applications for space should lie made direct to. the Under-St-c.reiary for Internal Affairs, Wellington, •who will ascertain when and how the goods can he despatched.