WELFARE WORK “FANTASTIC”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30126, 9 May 1963, Page 17

WELFARE WORK “FANTASTIC”

Australian R.S.L. In Victoria

The repatriation work carried out by the Australian Returned Servicemens’ League in Victoria was fantastic, a member at the Christchurch Returned Services' Association executive and leader of the New Zealand Anzac delegation to Melbourne this year, Mr T. J. Kirk-Burnnand, said last evening.

“They can show us a point or two in this direction,” he said. What impressed him more than anything else during his period there, between April 19 and May 7, was the sincerity of the former servicemen who were holding executive positions in the league, he said. They had the interests of die returned men, not only In their own branch, but in the whole State, at heart. Most of the chibs bad charters which allowed them to remain open until 11 p.«n., which helped considerably towards welfare funds. All branches cultivated a strong interest in Legacy, which was the New Zealand equivalent of Heritage, Mr Kirk-Burnnand said.

The Victorian observanca of Anzac Day, he thought, should be adopted in New Zealand. He said he could find no objection to allowing sport after 1 pm. “They have their reunions afterwards, but most people watch sport. Where there is an admission charge auy money over the average gates for the last two years goes to the Returned Services’ League. The racing club gives 50 per cent, of overaverage takings,” he said. Although hotels opened their bars at 1 p.m. there was no trouble. Each year four or five Ministers of the Crown or their appointees met the league for discussions on action and work. This led to harmonious relationships between the Government ami the league.