SECOND N.Z.E.F. ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27192, 9 November 1953, Page 3

SECOND N.Z.E.F. ASSOCIATION

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH’S SMOKE CONCERT

The reformation of the Christchurch branch of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association was advanced a stage further on Friday evening, when the members held a smoke concert in the railway social hall in Carlyle' street. The branch had more than 400 members at one stage, and then went out df existence.

“This organisation has a set policy, laid down close on 13 years ago when the association was first formed,” said the Christchurch branch president, Mr B. C. Wilson. “When times were different. an organisation of all servicemen was quite good, but many men who came home from World War II felt that they were not in accord, with the R.S.A. In the main they are younger men and they have their own ideas on policy.” Relations between the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association and the R.S.A. were most cordial, said Mr Wilson. His association had dropped its pressure for increased war pensions to assist the case of the R.S.A. It still'believed, however, that, in principle, the war pensions should not be less than the qasic wage, and that increases to the pensions should be made in line with wage pronouncements by the Arbitration Court.

About 200 were catered for at the smoke concert, most of the preparation being done by wives of members. Mr N. R. Forbes, a returned soldier, represented the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) and the R.S.A., services, and services organisations.were represented. The orchestra of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club provided music.