R.S.A. ACTIVITIES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 302, 17 September 1936, Page 15

R.S.A. ACTIVITIES

Achievements in Hutt Valley SOCIAL EVENTS August, 1936, wiU certainly go down in R.S.A. history as one of achievement for the Hutt Valley sub-branch of the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Assn. A committee elected to go into the unemployment position, as regards unemployed returned men in the valley, has borne fruit and certain returned men have been placed. However, the branch executive will not rest until they have every unemployed returned man back in industry, and with this ultimate aim ever before them, every avenue of possible employment is being exploited. The social side has bad success following on success and the series of old time dances- is exceedingly popular, the attendance average being high. Social evenings have also figured prominently, and. despite stormy and wet nights larger crowds eould hardly be accommodated. During the month some 40 members with their wives paid a visit to Wainui-o-mata where the branch has an enthusiastic band of financial members. The public hall at Wainui presented an animated sight, the evening taking the form of a social and dance and the 200 persons present spent an enjoyable time. The formation of a women's club and auxiliary with members drawn from the valley is proving its worth to the branch. At a recent evening held in the clubrooms five members put on an amusing sketch, which was greatly appreciated by a large attendance of returned men, their wives and friends. Membership is increasing at a satisfactory rate, and the branch executive views with .pleasure the support being received from ex-soldiers, and is aiming at a membership of 500 before the end of the present financial year on March 31. The branch has obtained permission from the Minister of Internal Affairs to launch an alluvial gold art union. As a result a very useful sum of money should be raised to assist in relieving distress among returned men and their dependants in the valley. The Club-rooms in Lower Hutt are available to any returned man, and the executive extend a hearty welcome to those who served their country to join the association and take an interest in the various activities which from time to time ate organised in the interests of all returned soldiers. Subscriptions may be paiij in part or full to the branch secretary, who is always in attendance at the club-rooms, Lower Hutt, on Friday evenings. Kilbiraie Social Activities. Social activities of the Kilbirnie auxiliary during the past month have been well maintained. In addition to the card evenings which are held regularly every Tuesday and which have become increasingly popular, visits from other auxiliaries during the month include those of Brooklyn, Ngaio and visits by the South African veterans and the Miramar auxiliary are expected. The club’s recreation facilities are being well patronised and indoor bowls, billiards, table tennis, in addition to other minor forms of popular relaxation, all command a good following, The committee has again secured a lease of the tennis court at the rear of the club premises and it is anticipated that the court will be as much in demand this year by members and their wives as it was last. Arrangements are in hand for a combined “korero” to be held early next month in conjunction with the Miramar auxiliary, and members may be assured of a good evening’s fun and enjoyment,on that occasion. Excellent work is being performed by the members of the ladies’ committee. Their enthusiasm in all phases of the work undertaken by the executive knows no limit, and it is largely due to their support and co-operation that the Kilbirnie branch of the R.S.A. has bean able to establish itself and maintain such a measure of goodwill and popularity in the district. Progress at Johnsonville. Work at Johnsonville continues vigorously. Monthly card parties which were started three months ago are still well patronised. Members’ wives are forming a ladies’ committee. Preparations are in train for the concert this month, and for the gala and sports day in November. Seventeen days’ ■work has been found for unemployed men, while membership is still increasing.