RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17925, 22 March 1922, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

EXECUTIVE MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, held last night, was attended by Dr T. Harrison (president, in tho chair), Messrs A. M'Hutchon, P. Anderson, W. H. Wood, C. G. Wilson, J. B. Gallon, R. P. Jones, J. 11. it Nish, Colonel T. W. M’Donald, and Rev. Hector Maclean. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE. On the recommendation of the Nominations Committee two new members were elected. Two transfers in and eight out were approved. One. honorary member was elected. The resignations of two members, both of whom are leaving for Australia, were accepted. UNEMPLOYMENT. Tho Secretary reported that the position as regards unemployment, was still very acute, and that among others who had called at his office were a number of men who had' recently arrived in the country.—Rev. Mr Maclean said there were 600 unemployed soldiers on the register of the Auckland R.S.A.—A member pointed out that a Repatriation Department report had stated that there were j only twenty-five men out of work at a I time, when "there were eighty unemployed I members on the books of the Dunedin R.S.A.—It was decided that a deputation, comprising Messrs . Harrison, i M’Donald, and Maclean, wait upon the Hon. Mr Coates (Minister of Public , Works) to endeavor to have unemployment relieved by the commencement of public works in the district, FINANCIAL. The statement of receipts and expenditure for the month of February showed receipts amounting to £147 5s lOd, including billiards £43 11s 5d and canteen £53 16s sd. The amount was augmented by £IOO withdrawn from the Savings Bank. The expenditure totalled £235 8s Id. A credit balance of £l2 17s 9d was thus shown. 1 Accounts amounting to £57 3s sd, including £29 13s lid (club house accounts), were passed for payment. PENSIONERS. The following resolution was carried' after discussion; —“That in cases where returned soldier pensioners in receipt of a permanent pension have been fined by a civil court for civil offences, they should not be further penalised by having deductions made from their pensions,” SUGGESTED HONORARY MEMBERS. In accordance with notice of motion, Mr Jones moved—“ That it be a recommendation to tho annual meeting that i men who were in camp at the time of the armistice and Territorials be admitted as honorary members of the association at a subscription of 15s per annum.” The mover pointed out that it was through no fault of their own that these men were in camp at the time of the armistice. They had done their best to get to the front. 'The influenza epidemic had also kept many men in camp who would otherwise have been on the water. With regard to the Territorials, they were in readiness to answer the call of their country should their services :be required. By the inclusion of all these men the finances of the association would benefit greatly, while the association would also be doing something to create a patriotic spirit.—-It was pointed out in the course of discussion that many men had been discharged from camp before the armistice, and we re equally entitled to be enrolled as honorary 1 members.—Ultimately it was decided to I include all men that were entitled to the benefits of tho D.S.S. Act, and in that form the motion was carried. ! POPPY DAY. A committee, comprising Messrs Jones, Wood, and Laing, was appointed: to make arrangements for Poppy Day. ANNUAL MEETING. It was decided to hold the annual meeting of the association in the club rooms on° Monday, April 24.