BIRKENHEAD EX-SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 261, 3 November 1932, Page 3

BIRKENHEAD EX-SOLDIERS.

MEDICAL BENEFIT SCHEME,

DEPENDENT ON MEMBERSHIP.

The Birkenhead ex-Servicemen's Association last evening held the first of a series of monthly meetings since amalgamation was effected with the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. The latter body was represented by .Colonel T. H. Dawson, vice-president; Mr. H. J. Aekins, the secretary; and the Rev. H. K. Vickery. Mr. James Prickett, vice-president, presided.

The Auckland secretary said it was desired that all organisations should operate under their old rules until April next, when a conference would be held, and an endeavour made to compile a uniform set of rules. . It was pointed out that a membership of 300 throughout the four North Shore boroughs would warrant the services ot a 'doctor under the Auckland Associations medical benefit scheme, which cost 5d per month. Before any doctor was appointed a conference of the whole of the North Shore organisations would be consulted. It was decided to ascertain the number of returned men on the North Shore. A committee comprising Messrs. F. Lees, B. T. Rooth, A. Manson, A. Gumnier, A. Langley, J. Foster, and W. Harding was set up to assist in raising funds and organising social" functions, including a Christmas treat for the children.

A resolution was unanimously passed, and is to be sent through the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, protesting against out of work ex-servicemen being forced into relief camps. In reply to a suggestion that a eupply of meat might not be needed with the approach of summer, the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association was requested to continue to send the issue of meat to Birkenhead.