R.S.A.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17937, 4 December 1923, Page 9

R.S.A.

MEETING OP EXECUTIVE.

The forfcnightlv meeting of the executive of the Cliristchurch Returned Soldiers' Association was held last evening, Colonel H. Stewart presiding. Four new members were elected. The secretary reported that thirtyfour names were on the association's unemployment register and that twenty men had been found employment with the Post and Telegraph Department's engineering branch during the past week on the work of laying the underground cables. The District Telegraph Engineer wrote stating that a further batch of men would not be required until the new year. The secretary, stated that a number of men were still working for the Heathcote County Council. After a good deal of discussion it was resolved that the refreshmen room of the club should be closed down from December Bth for the summer months. Reports were received regarding arrangements which are being made for the Christmas tree for the children of deceased soldiers and the children of members, to be held on Saturday, December 22nd. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs H. Stewart, E, Orchard, E. W. Fulton, G. Lloyd and W E. Leadley was appointed to make final arrangements for this event. The secretary reported that with regard to the new economic pensions provided for by the War Pensions Amendment Act of last session the spirit of '-he Act was being defeated by "rer> tape regulations." It was revived to urge the Dominion executive othe New, Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, to make representations to the i ension3 Department with a view to seeding a more sympathetic interpretation of the Act. It was stated that out of a large number of claims that had gone forward from Christchurch for economic pensions, a very small proportion only had been granted. A number of letter of thanks from members for services rendered by the association was read.

The secretary's action in making representations to the Governor-General with regard to the issue'of tramway passes for legless soldiers was approved. Mr O. Burnside reported that the dance committee had decided to close the R.S.A. dances for the season on Saturday evening next. It was resolved to invite his .Excellency the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and the Hons. W. Downie Stewart and J. G. Coates to take part in the next Anzae Day memorial service. , .

Tli© president reported that it was proposed to hold a military pageant in Christchurch during February. It was resolved: —"That the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association learns with gratification of the proposal to hold a military pageant in Christchurch and expresses its willingness to co-operate in any way possible." Details of an education scheme for soldiers' chilHreiL, now in operation in Australia, were submitted by the secretary, but discussion was held over until the following meeting. Mr A. J. Blackburn tendered his resignation as a member of the executive and Mr W. McCoy was appointed to fill the vacancy.