XN000022-1972-08-30 — Page 17

Wednesday, August 30, 1972

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17.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN TO BALANCE OF RAINSTORM DONATIONS

The management committee of the Community Relief Trust Fund

had been advised that it would be possible, by enabling legislation,

to carry forward the balance of donations to victims of the June rainstorm

disasters for use in future emergencies.

The Director of Social Welfare and Fund Trustee, the Hon. G.T. Rowe, told the Legislative Council this today in reply to questions by the

Hon. Mrs. Joyce Symons.

She had asked if the Government was aware that appeals to the

public for donations following the June rainstorms made by TVB and other

organisations had been "impressed with a trust for the relief of victims of that

catastrophe."

Mr. Rowe said both the Government and the management committee

were aware of this but carrying balances forward had been done in similar circumstances when the Fund was originally established, and it was right

that this possibility should not be overlooked.

"The Committee certainly recognises the importance of considering

the matter carefully, so that we arrive at a solution which will meet both the wishes of the donors and the needs of the community as a whole,"

Mr. Rowe explained. "For this reason, the issue has been raised publicly."

He already knew, as a result, that some donors agreed with the

proposed move, and he believed others might.

/But