WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18, 22 July 1919, Page 7

WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION

BRINGING ITS EXISTENCE TO A

CLOSE

(fltOll OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, 29tffMay,

The New Zealand War Contingent Aesociation held its monthly meeting on the 15th, there being present: Mr. I. W. Raymond (in the chair), the Countess of Hardwicke, Mrs. Ritchie, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir James Mills, Mrs. 0. F. Wilson, Mrs. A. V. M'Donald, Colonel the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Mr. R.. ,D. D. M'Lean, Mr. James Coatee, Mr. R. H. Nolan, Mr. F. Waldegrave, Mr. R. M. Macdonald, Mr. G. H. Scholefield, Mr. C. J. Wrav, Mr. C. F. Gee.

The Chairman's report was as follows : —

Finance.—l have had a careful estimate prepared of the assets and liabilities up to date, and that statement discloses a credit'balance of £4567. I do not think any of the prospective realisations are in any. way inflated, but after making every allowance I feel confident that there is at least a sum of £4000 available.

Realisations.—Since last meeting Broc kenhurst Accounts have been closed ; Hornchurch Club and contents have been, auctioned. The building exceeded the reserve, but fell short of what might have been.' expected!, considering the amount of timber and other materials in the structure. The contents sold at very high prices, and was a most satisfactory realisation. Oatlands Club was passed in at £225, but was ultimatelysold for £250.

It is very difficult to know when Jhe, various camps.will be evacuated, because the arrangements vary from day to day, but the latest information is that Walton will be closed on the 15th June, and _it is proposed to arrange for the auction of the club-house and contents as near that date as possible. Ewshott has been cleared up by the removal of the furniture to Oatlands and Walton, and the sale of the linoleum to the landlord. Negotiations are. proceeding in connection with 'he sale of the Codford Club, but nothing definite has yet been reached.

As regards Torquay, the necessary notice has been served on the landlord ias to the termination" of the rooms. Realisation will be made as soon as the military advise when the camp is to be closed. !

Mr. Phelps, the landlord of these premises, has received notice in terms of the agreement, and the association arc-merely monthly tenants as from the Ist July. Out of the six offices on the second floor, five were surrendered from the 9_th of this month, the other being occupied by the accountant.

STAFF.

Since last meeting various .alterations have been made. Mrs. Hobson resigned at the end of April, and Miss Wifison was taken over by the Bed Cross as from the Ist May. Mr. Foxwell has the assistance ot Corporal Campbell, who has been temporarily lent by the military. He'is very/.capable, and the arrears of work are being well overtaken.

TOTAL OF THE N.Z.E.F.

The total number.of members of the N.Z.E.F. in the United Kingdom -and the Continent is 20,005. '

I arranged with the O.C. of' Transports to report as to the utility of the games, etc., being supplied by the Association. Several suggestions have been made, which will be acted upon. Deck chairs are strongly recommended, and also hammocks and low camp stools. As these can be disposed of on arrival, I recommend that each transport be supplied with, say, 100 chairs, and in the case of transports carrying married women, an extra 100—these to be marked for their exclusive use.—(Signed) I. ,W. Raymond, Chairman. • /

The Chairman of the Hospitality Committee reported that during the month of April 8627 men had been entertained in various ways. , The Chairman of {he Clubs Committee reported that good work was still being done at Codford, Walton, Oatlands, and. Torquay. . The proposal to increase the grants so as to provide extra fruit to those returning on transports was favourably considered.