SEATOUN R.S.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 144, 20 June 1935, Page 7

SEATOUN R.S.A.

AUXILIARY MEETING

• The Seatoun auxiliary of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association concluded the second year of its activities last evening when the annual meeting was held. A satisfactory year was reported.

Colonel R. S. McQuarrie, representing headquarters, addressed the members on the; various activities of the association, and congratulated them on the good work done in their district.

Anzac Day ceremonies were discussed and reference was made to the use of the steps of the Wellington WaiMemorial as a grandstand, and the position allocated to returned soldiers on parade. The commemoration service was of particular interest to returned men, it was stated, and they should be given pride of place in the parade instead of being put somewhat in the background.

Colonel McQuarrie said the matter had not occurred to him in that light, but he would bring it up at an association meeting and have it discussed.

■ The annual report stated that thirtythree members had been enrolled by the'committee during the year and the total membership at March 31 was 47. The number of returned soldiers in the district was estimated at 160. A large increase in the number of financial members over last year, when the number was 26, was shown. Thirteen were on the mutual roll, compared with 30 twelve months previously, and during the year eleven men had been employed on unsubsidised work. 53 days' work being done. Subsidised work had been provided for 81 men (a total of 247 days' work), the amount paid by the committee being £62 and that paid by employers £94. The decrease in the number of men on the mutual roll, which is the register of unemployed, showed a considerable improvement in conditions. The activities of the committee and those of the men themselves had resulted in many finding permanent employment. The amount paid in "assistance" was £13, twenty-two men being assisted localls' and seven being referred to the central office. Assistance was granted only in cases of illness or inability of men to find1 work, and-.then only after investigation. The social activities, which included eight social evenings, were the report remarked, of major importance, as being the only means^of getting in touch With members and bringing them together. The balance-sheet showed excess of income over expenditure of £10 10s lOd, and accumulated funds £12 8s lid, while cash in hand and in the bank amounted to £22 19s

The following officers were elected: —Patron, Mr. J. E. Ramsey; chairman, Mr. H. A. Fanselow; vice-chairman, Mr. C A. Perry; honorary secretary. Mr. R. H. Bell; honorary treasurer, Mr.. A. E. Wixon; committee, Messrs. G. t.. Kellaway, F. Tait, A. A. M. Taylor, C. Webb, W. G. McLean, F. Alexander, H. M. McFarlane.