WELLINGTON HOSTEL

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 98, 27 April 1935, Page 10

WELLINGTON HOSTEL

CARE OF RETURNED-MEN

FUNDS RAPIDLY SHRINKING

The annual meeting of the Wellington Hostel for Returned Soldiers and Sailors Society was held last night, Colonel A. Cowles (president of the Wellington R.S.A.) occupying the chair. The annual report revealed that the fluids of the society were rapidly shrinking in spite of the strictest economy. The amount of the liquid assets was only £2324 12s 3d. The Government valued the property on The Terrace at £8225 and that in Vivian Street at £1100. Both these properties were advertised for sale during the year, and several inquiries were received. Negotiations were still proceeding in one or .two cases. During the period ending March 31. £3437 "17s 8d was expended in actual cash, and only £1287 15s sd.was received in revenue. This showed a loss for the year of £2150 2s 3d, £197 14s lOd less than last year. Donations were received during the year from the Government art union allocation and the T. G. Macarthy Trust. Several well wishers remembered the hostel at Christmas time, sending donations and gifts. The total number of meals supplied during the year was 62,049 and beds 13,761. Of these 11,554 meals and 4972 beds were supplied free. There was a reduction in the number of beds and meals supplied, largely owing to more care being taken as to the type of man applying for free board and meals. Those found to be genuine cases of want, or men who had been sick, received every consideration, but the man who exploited such organisations as this .received short shrift. The T. G. Macarthy Trust grant enabled the. society to help in'matters outside the provisions of its constitution, such as supplying warm clothing, boots, etc., to men setting out for camps or their homes with only a poor outfit. The society was also indebted to the Smith Family for the help it gave in the way of clothing, boots, etc., to many men sent to canip. The Brass Workers gave up f their handwork after Christmas, as the price of the imported article made it impossible to compete. However, for two years this was a source of earning for several men, and helped them.to carry on. The lease of The Terrace premises expired in, March, and the board arranged for a further lease of twelve months, at a reduced rental, and carrying the right of renewal. The report concluded: "Everything] possible is done to safeguard the funds of the society, and at the same time deal justly with the ex-service-men who are in need. The need of many has been accentuated during the past period, by the placing on sustenance of many men who were earning more on relief. These men have] not sufficient to pay. for meals and bed, let alone clothe themselves. The calls on our funds are therefore increasing, and the greatest care must be taken in administration of our rapidly diminishing resources." Tribute was paid to the manager and staff and thanks extended to those who year by year sent Christmas gifts for the men, also to Dr. Mcßa«, Colonel Cowles, and Mrs. R. W. Kane for their interest and help and to the City Council for tramway concessions. Officers were elected as follows:— Board of control, Patroness, Mrs. T. H. Lowry; president, Mrs. E. J. Moore, J.P., Mesdames Thornley, Boden, M.8.E., Preston, and Scott, .Misses Bright, Fitchett, Kane, MacGregor, Warren, and Dr. Mcßae; hon. secretary, Mrs. A. F. Boden; hon. treasurer, Mr. T. R. Lear, A.R.A.N.Z.; auditors, Messrs. Clark, Menzies, Griffin, and Ross; honorary life members, Sir Thomas Wilford, Sir Michael Myers, Colonel Avery, Colonel G. T. Hall, C.M.G., Messrs. E. C. Levvey, S.M., G. Sykes, M.P., B. Sutherland, T. H. Lowry, P. C. Watt, E. Vine. J. E. Mills, Lady Wilford, Mejdames E. C. Levvey, D. Hope, K. Scott, R. W. Kane, and A. E. Neilson, Misses P. Myers, M.A., E. Myers, R. Isaacs, and E. Barker.