R.S.A. AIMS FOR £30,000

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 7, 3 October 1941, Page 10

R.S.A. AIMS FOR £30,000

Own Premises Appeal LORD HAIG’S WORDS AS CAMPAIGN MOTTO Out to raise £30,000 to acquire central premises arid to assist the Hutt Valley sub-braucli in its building project. the Wellington R.S.A. held a preliminary meeting last night, when it was suggested to members by the president, Colonel C. 11. ’Weston, that they take as a campaign motto the words used to him by Lord Haig during the divisional inspection before Passchendaele, “You know, the New Zealanders have always done what I have aske'd them to do.” They should, bearing these words in mind, make up their minds to raise the money, and they would do it, said Colonel Weston. The weather affected last night’s attendance, arid the meeting was adjourned till next Thursday might, when a record attendance Ls hoped for. Colonel 'Weston said that a general meeting gave a mandate to the executive committee to proceed with the establishment of central premises.' A high goal had therefore been set. Subsequently there was embodied with the appeal, assistance for the Hutt Valley, which ha'd a section and some funds for building. The association had widespread activities. A most important and useful one was to assist comrades in need. This was the original purpose of the association, and tremendously valuable work had been done. They wanted premises for the business part, the Tin Hat Club, a lounge, billiar'd room, cafeteria, and reading room. Negotiations For Purchase. The present site, of which it might be possible to secure the freehold, was being considered.' Negotiations were proceeding with the owners, the Commercial Travellers’ Association. The purchase, or not, depended on the price and there were hopes of agreement on this. The building required a good deal of repairing and there would be burnishing. These factors would be calls on the fund it was sought to raise. As well, there would be the help to the Hutt Valley sub-branch. The appeal committee was fortunate in that Mr. J. Abel, organizer of the £1,000,000 patriotic appeal, was giving his voluntary services as organizer. The ■Wellington Metropolitan Patriotic Committee had advised that October and November would be free months as any patriotic appeals were unlikely for some time. He understood the same position applied to national savings appeals. ‘ The association was also lucky in getting Mr. L. W. Woolley as secretary-organizer. Delegates of subbranches and auxiliaries had promised every help. If the fund sought was raised, the existing funds would be earmarked for the building projects of sub-branches and auxiliaries, Colonel Weston added. He wanted to make it plain that the latter funds would not be touched because it was not desired to prejudice the claims of sub-branches and auxiliaries for their own schemes.

In addition the association hoped for the assistance of a citizens’ committed, which would doubtless be forthcoming, for it was only consistent with the dignity of a big city that the R.S.A. be fittingly housed. It was a permanent institution, no longer without recruits, and young and virile with a long life of continued service to the community ahead.

Mr. Woolley had made it a condition that every member should take an active part in the appeal and the response to the preliminary circular showed that this assurance could be confidently given. Rose Day Appeal.

One step taken was that Rose Day was to be foe the building fund. Because of plenty of employment the benevolent fund was in good shape and no one would be affected by diverting the Rose Day proceeds to the building fund.

Mr. Abel had suggested a monster street day and house-to-house appea.. Committees would be formed for the purpose. As examples of help already forthcoming Mr. F. G. Thomson was giving all the envelopes required witn the condition that any over 1,000.090 had to be paid for! Mr. N. Culley, a returned soldier engaged at sea nt night, had written offering to help during the day. That was the spirit actuating all the members. Mr. A. E. Elston reported that the Commercial Travellers’ Association would be wholeheartedly behind the appeal. A special vote of thanks was accorded this association. Mr. Abel said that the citizens’ committee would want to know that the R.S.A. members would be with them. With more than 3000 members giving of their best, this should be no difficulty. “The money is as good as iu the bank if the members get behind the appeal.” said Mr. Woolley. Mr. C. W. Ba_tteu referred to the stabilizing influence of the R.S.A. iu the country. Mr. Hayden, a returue.l soldier of the 2nd N.Z.E.F., endorsed from personal experience, the help of ihe R.S.A. to the returned men of this war.

The mayor. Mr. Hislop, attended the meeting.