WELLINGTON R.S.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 126, 30 May 1935, Page 15

WELLINGTON R.S.A.

ANNUAL MEETING.

THE YEAR'S ACTIVITIES

There was a large of returned soldiers at the annual meeting of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association last evening, and a keen interest was shown in all matters concerning ex-servicemen's interests. Lieutenant-Colonel A. Cowles, V.D., presided and . referred to the members of the association who had died during the past year. Moving.the adoption of the annual report (already published), Colonel Cowles referred to the increase in membership and said that even a greater increase was required. A lot of work had been done on pensions and the secretary (Mr. J. Spence) had worked hard to secure assistance for disabled men and the executive was grateful to him. (Applause.) There were still a number of returned soldiers in relief camps and the executive had done its best to make them happy. Radios had been placed in the camps, the men were given a suit of underclothing once a year, and, with the help of the Wellington Hospital Board, their teeth had been attended to. Colonel Cowles paid a tribute to the work of: the auxiliary committees. They had been formed to assist the executive and had done that, and more. They had developed the social side in their districts and that had maintained interest in association affairs. WAGES FOR WORK. The motion was seconded by Lieu-tenant-Colonel McQuarrie, D.5.0., M.C., who also referred to the work of the association and the auxiliary committees. The committees haU secured an increase from £1533 to £2336 as wages for returned men on subsidised work. The committees and the association together had secured subsidised work that had brought in £3100 in wages, an increase of £1100 over the previous year. It was im•possible to keep a record of the maximum unsubsidised work provided, but it was known that at least 2595 days of employment had been found during the year, as compared with' 300 days during the previous" year. Dr. T. Gray, .Director of Mental Hospitals in New Zealand, referred to the good work of the hospital visiting committee of the association. Their visits to Porirua Mental Hospital helped the returned soldiers there because they showed that those men were not forgotten by everyone. The hospital staffs, did all they could and appreciated what the visiting committee was doing to help. Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell said the executive had been instructed to concentrate on assisting returned soldiers' in need and members had done so. Mr. Vincent referred to the good work that had been done, and said there were still 500 unemployed returned soldiers in Wellington. Promises had been made to them twenty years ago; they had yet to be fulfilled. "I'm not a candidate for a pension," he said. "All,l want is employment and I enter every place with both hands . extended." Other things than bullets could kill, he added. Every man- present had done some shooting and had been shot at. They were now faced by unemployment. That did not worry them, but it was striking past them into- their : homes. (Cries of "Hear, hear.") ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following Officers were elected thervj epsuingv vvyeartr^residehti LieutenanfcColonel. A. Cowles, ;V.D.; vice-president, Lieutenant-Colonel R. S. MdQuarrie, D.5.0., M.C.; honorary treasurer, Mr; <H. L. Cooper; honorary solicitor; -;m.;J. S. Hanna; auditor, Mr. T. L. BuxtjMi (all re-elected unopposed); ..executive committee, Messrs. S. Friekkto/ni; V.C, E. C. Hale, #. T. MarshalfeAtjEvOgilyie", A. H. L. Treadwell, C. A. li. Treadwell, C. H. Westori K.C., and Dr. B. E. Wright. Mr. Gi-p; Bell moved to amend vthe rules of the association to provide'for an executive consisting of. a president, vice-president, and honorary treasurer elected by the annual meeting,- five members elected by the financial members not resident in any sub-branch or auxiliary committee district, and one member JErom each sub-branch and auxiliary committee, provided that an auxiliary committee should have twenty-five members before it was entitled to representation: ' ; : After some discussion an amendment was carried referring the matter to the executive for investigation and report to a general meeting.: