APATHY SAID TO EXIST

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21746, 31 March 1936, Page 3

APATHY SAID TO EXIST

RETURNED SOLDIERS' SUB-COMMITTEES

COMPLAINTS OF TREATMENT

BY EXECUTIVE

The opinion that the suburban subcommittees of the Returned Soldiers' Association had become apathetic was expressed at the meeting of the Christchurch executive last evening. The discussion was begun by Mr H. Fleck, chairman of the quarterly meeting of delegates of the sub-committees, who ;a:d that there had been complaints that the sub-committees had not received replies when they wrote making suggestions to the executive. This, however, was stated not to be the case by several members, and the secretary, Mr E. F. Willcox, said that their business always came up before the executive in the reports of the meetings. It was Anally decided, on the motion of Mr W. E Leadley, that a recommendation be' made to the incoming committee that an early opportunity be taken to decide the future attitude of the executive to the sub-committees. Mr Fleck said that at the last meeting he had attended there had been ro quorum and there seemed to be very little interest taken. Many of the sub-committees thought that they had not been getting a "fair go" from the executive; when; they made any suggestions, they received no answer. They did not know whether the executive was in agreement with what was suggested or not. This was , wrong. When the sub-committees had. been formed they were promised all these things, and now did not get them. This was not in the interest or welfare of the association. Though the sub-committees had once or twice tried to assert themselves beyond their powers, there was no doubt that if properly handled they could be of great help to the executive. The secretary, Mr E. F. Willcox, said that when the suburban committees had made recommendations for Christmas orders for men they had been notified after the orders had been put into effect that some of the men were on the Rotary or other lists. The chairman, Mr B. O. Priddis: As a matter of courtesy, the sub-commit-tees should be sent replies if they go to the bother of writing. lam not suggesting that the secretary is to blame. Possibly. Mr Fleck could supply some examples. Mr Fleck replied that the Spreydon sub-committee, which he had mentioned, might supply examples. Mr J. S. Chisholm: The difficulty is that the sub-committees carry many resolutions which are not reported in the ordinary correspondence. I cannot recollect one matter which was brought forward that was not dealt with by the secretary.

"Chronic Apathy"

Mr E. Orchard: It is the same right through all the districts. There is something wrong with the sub-commit-tees themselves; the men have arrived at a stage of apathy that is "pretty chronic." The sub-committees have taken on work that Is beyond their jurisdiction, and here they have fallen In. Mr Mewton said that the chairman of the meeting of delegates from the sub-committees was responsible, as the chairman at one period had undertaken to bring back from the executive replies to questions raised, If the

! executive adopted the complete reports jof the sub-committees there would b» no need for any explanation, but if not it was the duty of the chairman to convey an explanation to the • subcommittees. He suggested that improved economic conditions might explain the inactivities of the sub-com-mittees; it was an indication that things were being administered satisfactorily when the sub-committees were quiet. Mr W. H. Darby: I took the chair at one of the meetings in the illness of Mr Fleck, and the impression was that they developed Into wordy warfare between two or three members who had an axe to grind, to the detriment of the others, who "had no show." Mr A. L. Emerson: Mr Fleck has (merely dealt in generalisations. No charge can exist. In proposing his motion, Mr Leadley said that it would have to be decided whether to revive the sub-com-mittees or close them down. Mr A. E. Haynes: The apathy is to be regretted, but it can be overcome. The quarterly meetings are poorly attended; the motion to introduce them instead of the monthly meetings was sponsored by one committee. The monthly meeting was a link with the executive. Mr Haynes added that the sub-com-mittees should be allowed the capitation fee of 2s for each new member, which was received by members who went out canvassing for new subscriptions. It would be a spur to enthusiasm. Mr Fleck: I just want to tell Mr Mewton that I have had no opportunity since I was chairman of this committee to right what I consider a wrong. Mr C. Chisnall questioned the proposal to allow the capitation fee to the sub-committees. There was no need for them to have funds. They were not intended to build social rooms. I Mr Haynes: I did not suggest that, but a committee cannot meet without expenses. It is only fair to put the sub-committee on the same basis as a man canvassing for subscriptions. The chairman said that the sub-com-mittees had been enlarging their original activities. To-day, they felt that they were not wanted, because this was not being permitted. The motion was carried.