HELPING RECRUITS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 91, 19 April 1939, Page 17

HELPING RECRUITS

WELLINGTON DISTRICT

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Ways and means of assisting those who are offering their services in the Wellington Regiment were discussed at a recent meeting of the Welling-: ton Regimental Association. Mr. F. E. Ash by presided and other members of the executive present were Messrs: J. H. Luxford, J. S. Hanna, G. T. Kellaway, J. W. Andrews, A. Chalmers. C. E. Singleton, Major A. L. George, Captain M. S. Galloway, M.C., and Captain B. Barrington. Mr. Single, ton was" appointed secretary, and Messrs. Luxford and Haftna were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a draft of the constitution of the association.'

A general discussion took place*- as to. the most satisfactory ways in which the association could help the regiment; and it was agreed that maintaining the unit at full strength was most important. Assistance in obtaining leave from employers for attendance of all ranks at camps and courses, maintaining contact with the unit by attendance at certain parades and functions, fostering respect for the unit in particular and the Territorial Force in general, and assisting in the social and recreational ectivities of the unit were also decided to be within the scope of the association's ideals. The formation of a ladies' committee was considered necessary.

The desirability -of securing further members was considered and various suggestions were made. It was pointed out by Captain Barrington that it was better to have an association of members who realised and were prepared to carry out their obligations than to aim for a membership of purely numerical strength. Circulars to the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the R.S.A. were suggested as suitable means of securing the right type of member, although it was generally agreed that the ideal method was by the personal efforts of present members. It was decided to ask Colonel A. Cowles to announce the formation of the association at the next R.S.A. luncheon, and suggest to members of that body that they consider becoming members also of the Wellington Regimental Association.

A letter from Mr. Martin Luckie concerning the issue of a badge or button to each member of the association was received and considered, and it was left with Major George to supply the committee with full details regarding the badge now worn by members of the regiment.

Major George undertook to have the committee notified of all parades of the regiment. It was considered advisable for members of the committee to attend the function at Eastbourne on April 26, when the Eastbourne platoon, will be officially handed over, and Mr. Chalmers extended an invitation to members to attend the social at Johnsonville ori May 1 to celebrate the issue of the new walking-out uniforms to that platoon.

After a discussion regarding the suburban associations it was agreed that these associations be entirely autonomous and not financially liable to the Wellington Regimental Association.