ON MEETING RETURNED MEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 181, 2 August 1941, Page 16

ON MEETING RETURNED MEN

INQUIRIES made following a statement by a returned Digger that the draft in which he came back had seen no sign of any representative of the R.S.A. in welcoming parties, revealed a very complicated state of affairs. So far as Auckland is concerned the position is very difficult on account of the uncertainty of the system of notification of arrivals. The U.S.A. is in touch with the military authorities and the railway, wharf and public officials concerned, and wherever it is at all possible, returning drafts are met.

It has happened several times that notification has been received at a time when it has been impossible to meet train or boat, and again. Mr. Roy Mason, secretary of the R.S.A.. who has acted as reception officer, has found great difficulty in making contact with the men individually on account of the presence of next-of-kin and friends, and the natural eagerness of the men to disperse to their homes with all haste. On occasion, batches of men have been conveyed to the Drill Hall where it has been possible for Mr. Mason to extend the good wishes of the R.S.A.. but such occasions have been rare. No "Tooting" Wisely, the R.S.A. indulges in nothing that could be termed "touting" for membership, and Mr. Mason's mission is to convey to the Diggers the best wishes of the veterans of the last war, lo inquire if there are any questions on wnich information may be desired, and to proffer the services of the R.S.A. in any matters concerning the interests of" the soldier. In view of the amount of work the secretary frequently has to attend to, especially, as now. when the Pensions Appeal Hoard is silting, it is questionable if the association would not find it more satisfactory to extend their greetings and volunteer their aid per medium of a suitable circular which every member could easily be given for perusal at his leisure, and when the initial rush and excitement of the return home have subsided. It should be stated that the association has only been permitted one representative on the occasions of the arrival of large batches of men. because of the large number of bodies of a patriotic and other nature who also wish to be present.