RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9652, 8 July 1919, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

A mooting of the committee of the Ashburton Returned Soldiers 5 Association was held in the Club rooms last evening, Mr E. H. Orr presiding. The general secretary., headquarters, Wellington, wrote stating that they were anxious to obtain the fullest information in regard to the demand by returned soldiers for land and houses in the Ashburton district, and asked for an estimate of the extent of tho present demand. A request was also made for an estimate of the number of soldiers in the district who are anx-. ions to secure houses and cannot do j so, and asked if the present system of valuing house property adopted by the Department had so far been satisfactory. It was decided to call a general meeting for Monday next to endeavour to supply the fullest possible information. A statement before the meeting showed a most unsatisfactory state of affairs in connection with the Government assistance to soldiers settling on the land. Three' cases were cited whero money had been granted by the Government and mortgages released, and yet the money was not forthcoming. Mr Lloyd said he could mention several other cases of a similar nature. The meeting decided that the fullest information be obtained and forwarded to the general secretary of the Association, Wellington. The question of returned soldiers parading in uniform on Peace Day.was discussed at some length. Air Orr said he had no desire to again don the uniform, but thought it quite a proper thing that it should. be worn both on Peace Day and Anzac Day. \ Ho was certain the celebration committee expected the men to parade in uniform, and this would entitle them to their luncheon. It was finally decided that returned soldiers be asked to parade in uniform on Peace Day. Tho offer of Mrs Chapman to provide an orchestra for the military ball was accepted with thanks. Tlie selection of colours for tho Returned Soldiers v. Ashburton County football match, to be played on Peace Day was left with the Rugby Union. J.t was reported that good results were being achieved by the organiser (Mr J. "Wilkinson), and that about 40 new members had been enrolled since last meeting. 'Mr Lumley stated that while m charge of the Register on Friday and Saturday, he had secured 21 new subscribers to the "Quick March." The secretary reported that at present there are only three soldier patients in the soldiers' ward at the hospital, and that Mr and Mrs Chapman and Mr A. Todd had offered to provide a concert at the hospital. Mr J. Lumley, in making his report upon the conference held in Christchurch, said that the Executive hoped that the branch representatives would be changed as little as possible; they would thus be well versed in affairs connected with the Association. He was accorded a vote of thanks. Mr Lumley suggested that a scheme should be set in motion to raise money for the possible purchase of the Club or for" the erection of suitable Association buildings, but no action was taken?'- 1 - '■ '• -■" • '_/ ■■■'■'. '■' „ On the. motion of Mr Hopkins, it was agreed that the A. and P. Associaj tiou be thanked for the generous prizes offered in the soldier classes in the forthcoming ploughing matches,- and for the kindly interest shown on the soldiers' behalf.