SOLDIERS’ CLUB

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 272, 30 August 1935, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ CLUB

YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED.

ELECTION OF THE OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Soldiers’ Club was held in the club rooms last evening, the president (Mr E. B. NeAvton) presiding over a good attendance. The annual report Avas as folloavs : “In presenting the financial statement for the past year, the committee desires to congratulate members on the very satisfactory position of the Club. The. year commenced with a credit of £l3 1.3 s Bd, and finished Avith a credit of £2O Os 2d. “The committee wish to express their grateful thanks and appreciation to all those Avho subscribed to the appeal for funds during the past year, thereby enabling the committee to meet its liabilities and have a surplus on hand. The social committee continues to render valuable assistance in having certain renovations and improvements carried out, and also in arranging social evenings and helping to maintain a keen interest in the Club and its surroundings..

“It is Avith regret that Ave have to record the death of Mrs Daniei, Atife of tlio caretaker, Avho had assisted in the management of the Club, and Avhose cheery smile and help Avas very much appreciated by members. “In place of a banquet this year, the social committee is arranging for a smoke concert and social to bo held on 'September 7, and they anticipate a good attendance of returned men. The committee appeals to all returned men to take a keeS interest in the Club, and to make full use of the privileges provided for them.” Moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the president referred to the excellent result of the year’s Avork, and said that the financial position Avas better than it had been for many years. He paid a tribute to the efficiency of the club officers.

Mr H. W. Smallbone spoke of the very good Avork of the social committee.

It Avas pointed out that the reunion on September 7 Avas being organised by a special committee, apart from the social committee. For the social committee, Mr J. S. Weeks stated that the committee’s year opened Avith a credit balance of £2O 10s Id. Receipts had totalled £2Ol 14s 7d, of Avhich £l4B AA r as derived from euchre tournaments. There Avas a credit balance of £SO 18s 3d. The committee Avas congratulated on the success of the activities. Officers Avere elected as folloAV: Patron, Mr J. H. Gi'igg; Mr E. B. Newton; vice-president, Mr W. R. Lane; committee, Messrs H. Morris, E. Buchanan, and H. W. Smallbone (civilians), T. Jamieson and D. Smith (Soldiers’ Club); treasurer, Mr H. W. Smallbone; secretary, Mr W. H. Amos; auditor, Mr F. A. Hickman; social committee, Messrs C. J. Bax, C. V. McNichol, J. Dobbin, P. Hansen, E. C. Stock, and J. S. Weeks.

The secretary stated that an appeal for funds had been sent out, and a sum of over £6O had come in. Besides this, there Avas the usual donation of firewood from the County Council.

Mr D. Smith suggested that a soldiers’ sports club should be formed, the object being to raise funds to assist unemployed returned men, the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and the Club going fifty-fifty in the wages to be paid. It was decided that the following committee should investigate the question of a sports club, and report to a meeting later:—Messrs D. Smith, R. Bain, H. W. Smallbone, C. J. Bax and E. C. Stock. Mr Grigg congratulated the club on the Avay it had functioned, and said it Avas very pleasing to see it in such a flourishing condition after all the years.