R.S.A. WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 9

R.S.A. WORK.

SEASONAL CHEER. AUCKLAND BRANCH ACTIVE. DROP IN MEMBERSHIP. "The membership roll stands at 3150, which is about 200 less than last year,"' stated the president of the Auckland Keturned Soldiers' Association, Mr. J. W. Kendall, in his quarterly statement to members at last night's mooting in the Lewis Eady Hall,: when ; there °was an attendance of over 100. Mr. Kendall stated that the causes of the drop in membership were that there wore fewer members coming through from the clubs, and many former members had now gained permanent employment and had not renewed their membership. He appealed to members to do their utmost to send in the names of returned men for the association's officers to make the necessary approaches. The sum of £410 15/7 had been expended to the end of December in providing comforts for returned men in various hospitals and homes. The mental hospital, the public hospital, the infirmary and the Knox Home had all been visited by members of the executive and .comforts distributed to patients in need. Christmas cheer had also been sent to Tokanui Mental Hospital, To Awamutu. Tribute was paid to the Northcote club and its ladies' committee for providing special Christmas parcels for the mental hospital, while the chairman also spoke of the services of members of Mount Wellington club for regular visits to the Knox Home. A total of 265 orders had been issued to men for necessities for the home" to make their lot a little brighter. The chairman also stated that arrangements had been practically competed for an official local E.S.A. "broadcast, but the matter had yet to be finalised. Tlie session would be of keen interest to all returned men and the information broadcast would be authentic and official. The broadcasts would likely be on a Friday evening. Mr. Bagnall asked, in regard to membership, it it was meant that the clubs had been responsible for the drop. The chairman replied that there had been a falling off in several clubs. There were many men who, during the depression, found the K.S.A. of the greatest service to them, but now that they had got back into jobs they had not renewed their subscription. "If wo strike another depression I think you'll find them all coming back," up id Mr. Kendall. The secretary, Mr. E. S. Mason, read a letter from a firm of Tc Aroliu solicitors, notifying the bequest of £1000 under the will of the late Mr. Edward Bowler, to be oxpemlod in relief for returned soldiers incapacitated by war service. --' The chairman stated that the patients at the Avondale mental hospital had the privilege of playing golf on a course laid out at the hospital. The greenkeeper acted as coach and the men had shown keen interest in the game. There was, however, a shortage of clubs and golf balls, and he assured members that any donations of that kind would be greatly, appreciated and if left at the E.S.A.'office would bo : sent to the hospital. ■ •...'•;