R.S.A. ACTIVITIES

Evening Star, Issue 17637, 16 April 1921, Page 10

R.S.A. ACTIVITIES

•= ANNUAL REPORTS. SETTLEMENT ON THE LAND. The fifth animal report of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association states that no subject has more fully occupied the attention of the associations throughout the Dominion during the past twelve months than that of land. Probably no phase of the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act has promoted so much discussion as the portion relative to the purchase of houses for returned soldiers. In October of last year, practically without notice, the Government announced that all advances under thie section would cease, the reason given being that what was left of the allocation would not, in view of the demand of the farming section of the Act, permit of its continuance. The Returned Soldiers’. Associations throughout the Dominion were immediately upon their feet, with the result that Cabinet found another half million, and this enabled the Government to continue the advances until the month of September, when it was again announced that "except under special circumstances no advance for the purchase of houses would be approved.” To date, in view of the economic situation, the Returned Soldiers’ .Association has been practically powerless to take any action for the reopening of this section of the Act, as the continuance of these advances, together with the tightening of the money market, would tend only to increase the price of houses, which in a year or two might prove very disastrous to the purchasers. However, in viewjif the, fact that many of the soldiers returned very late and were, through circumstances, unable to immediately embark on the purchase of a home, the association is keening the matter in view, and as soon as a practicable solution of the financial trouble is arrived at, will press for the reopening of the section. The Lands Committee of the association met frequently at the commencement of the year, hut with the formation of the District Lands Committee it was felt that all land matters in connection with the district should be referred to this committee, and the Lands Committee of the various associations abolished. Acting on the advice of the Cromwell Sub-associa-tion, close attention has been paid to the applications of old settlers for blocks on the Mount Pisa Estate, with the result that many applications which would otherwise have been approved wore declined. At the instigation of the Lands Committee the attention of the District Lands Committee was drawn to the unsatisfactory position of Clifton Estate, which was at the time only half settled and all the cottiers in a state of discontent. Representations were made to the Land Board, which then contemplated throwing open the remainder of the estate to the general public, with the result that all the settlers received a snbsantial increase in the acreage of their sections. This has apparently satisfied them, and they now anticipate being able to meet their obligations and make a success of their selections. Early in the year the, N.Z.R.S.A.. noticing that settlers who had obtained loans from the Government under Acts other than tho Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act received rebates for tho prompt payment of interest, made over--1 a the Government, with tho result that a similar rebate is now granted to those v.-'m, >. p.ave received loans under the D.S.S. Act. At first tho Government would grant the rebate on full periods of six months only, but upon the representations of tho association it was finally granted for broken periods— e.g., from the time of occupation to the end of a halfyear if such was less than six months. A number of members having lost the rebate for prompt payment on the last instalment of their interest through tho illwording of the account forms, the association brought the matter (through beadquarters) before the notice of the Minister of Lands, with the result that any soldier who lost this rebate may apply to the Commissioner of Lands for a credit of the amount. On tiro approval of the Minister the amount of the rebate will bo deducted from tho next payment. As the majority of men had returned to New Zealand before the commencement of tho past year, tho joining membership has not been large. However, at every mooting several members are admitted, and a total of 337 have joined during tho twelve months. A large number have been transferred out, principally’to the smaller towns in tho North Island, and but a fe,w have, been received on transfer. It is with regret that your executive reports the death of seventeen members during the year. Tho financial strength of tire association at the close of the year was 3,415. The executive has been, through its representatives, closely in touch with the workings of the Repatriation Department, in Dunedin, and so far as this centre is concerned, small grounds have been left for complaint by tho board in charge. Regarding tho emoluments of the subsidised workers, the committee has continued to press for tho increase demanded by tho last conference —namely, that tho wages of such trainees should he increased to £4 and £3 10s per week for married and single men respectively. This matter will no doubt bo the subject of many remits for the forthcoming conference. Since tho department commenced in Dunedin, 2,350 men have received assistance in connection with the commencement of a business and tho establishment of a home, and the reports show very few instances on tho soldiers’ part of failure to respond to their obligations, the failures being negligible. CASH PURCHASE SOCIETY. The first annual report of the R.S.A. Cash Purchase Society states that a new departure has been made in the direction of direct pi'Schase of tea. It is proposed when the new club Is erected, to carry a stock of tea, and this will be obtainable by members at ■wholesale rates. Tho tea is of good quality, being the same as that supplied to the Public Sendee Cash Purchase Societies throughout tho Dominion. Over £4OO was paid out by the various firms during the past six months. This fact should conclusively show the benefits which the society provides to its members, and 100 much cannot ho done to impress noon non-members to join and strengthen the society. THE CLUB. In presenting tho second annual report too committee of the Returned Soldiers’ Club expresses its regret that shorttv after taking over control of the club—then in tho temporary premises—in view of the financial position, it was found necessary to make some reduction in expense. It was ascertained that during the day time members were not availing themselves of the use of the club to any extent, and it was ’resolved to open the club room in the evenings only. Recently the executive of tho Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association waited upon tho committee and pointed out that the two institutions with identical membership was confusing both to the members and the public. After due consideration it was resolved to accede to the request that the club should pass into the control of tho Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, and with this end in view the matter has been referred to the hon. solicitor. In October last another billiard table was presented to the club by tho women s branch of tho Overseas "dub, and the thanks of members are due to these ladies for their generous and thoughtful gift. During the year the chib has been very fortunate in receiving some very handsome donations. In addition to the billiard table already referred to two very fine pictures have been donated by Mrs MacFarlane. These will be quite an acquisition to the new building, and the committee deeply appreciates Mrs MacFarlane’s generous gifts. The comadttee desires also to extend its thanks to the other, donors, too numerous to mention, who have by their gifts assisted the club. A piano was alsq bequeathed to the club by the will of the late Mrs Ga®