RETURNED SOLDIERS

Evening Star, Issue 22627, 20 April 1937, Page 15

RETURNED SOLDIERS

DUNEDIN ASSOCIATION TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING The twenty-first annual meeting of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last evening, the president (Mr H. L, Paterson) presiding over a large attendance. PRESIDENT’S REPORT. In moving the adoption of the aniiiual report and balance sheet, the President said that during the past few months there had been momentous times, and incidents overseas had been reflected in New Zealand. The present membership of the Dunedin association was 2,658, a record for the association except for the years immediately after the cessation of hostilities. However, the association was not yet satisfied. The last census disclosed the fact that' there were over 72,000 returned men in New Zealand, exclusive of Imperial ex-servicemen, and as the total membership for New Zealand stood at approximately 27,000, or 38 per cent., the association still had a great amount of work ahead. He appealed to those present to increase the membership. Several difficulties faced the incoming executive in regard to unemployment, continued Mr. Paterson. The Poppy Day appeal brought in the handsome sum or £2,419, added to which were grants from the Canteen Fund Board, Patriotic Society, Grace. Lillian Mitchell Trust, etc., totalling £4,941. This was expended by way of work or assistance to returned men, or their dependants throughout Otago. Unemployment was being met by increased expenditure on public and local body works, and the executive felt that the time had come when it might safely revert to the original purpose of Poppy Day. The trustees of the canteen fund were perturbed at the rapid diminution of the fund, which had recently stood at £210,000, and had now been reduced to £160,000, and it felt that it had met the attack and must now build up reserves. The original policy of the fund was to have a reserve of £500,000 and provide a small annuity for every sick or indigent ex-serviceman after he had attained the age of 60. That dream had failed, with the expenditure on employment of £IOO,OOO up to June, 1936, but bad times might come again, and with the discontinuance of these grants, the funds at disposal would naturally decrease. The incoming executive would be faced with the responsibility of deciding whether *it .should also reduce expenditure on un employment and revert to assistance to sick .and disabled, and at the same time build up the reserve fund. There could he no criticism from ex-soldiers that these funds would survive them, because they would be administered by ex-solcliers for ex-soldiers. Indeed, the danger was the too-rapid expenditure, and later the lack of funds to assist those in extremity. One such “ last ditch ” fund was that recently collected by means of the Anzac commemorative stamp. For that, the association had to thank its secretary (Mr O. I, Ferens), who had suggested the matter, and the campaign had been successful in raising the sum of £8,500 for the association, with a similar amount for the Government. When all other sources had been closed to ex-soldiers, the. fund would; exist for-their relief. The whole problem of relief during the past five years had bristled with difficulties, but the association had endeavoured to surmount each as it came forward, and the results must bo judged by members, and those fortunate in obtaining benefits. Might such an occasion never rise again. On the supoprt of country members much might he said, he continued, and on behalf of the association he had to acknowledge coal from Kaitangata, wood from Owaka, and a gift of 3,5801 b of jam from Roxburgh. To all of those people, and many others, the thanks of the association were due. The report was seconded. - On behalf of the association’s choir, Mr P, S. Anderson asked for more Support, while Mr C. L. Calvert drew attention to the success of the fortnightly luncheons. Mr A. M'Hutchon (hon. treasurer) reported briefly on the balance sheet. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. PENSIONS AND RISING COSTS. Jt was pointed out that although the cost of living had risen approximately 10 per cent, there had been no increase in the economic pensions. The pensions had been cut during the depression years, and those present agreed that an increase was to be expected. The matter was left to the executive. ALTERATIONS TO RULES. Mr P. S. Anderson, on behalf of a special committee, moved the adoption of alterations to the rules. In some cases the alterations were to consolidate and bring up to date the rules of the association, which had been made necessary by the action of the New Zealand Association in widening its constitution. Mr Anderson briefly traversed the alterations, and Mr A. J. Gordon seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. RETIRING OFFICERS. Presentations of illuminated addresses were mad© to Messrs J. S. Skinner and P. S. Anderson, retiring members of the executive. Mr Calvert referred to the excellent work both had done. They had had long service as executive members and terms as president. Messrs Skinner and Anderson briefly traversed the, history of the association since they had joined. Both were accorded musical honours. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr C. L. Calvert; immediate past president, Mr H. L. Paterson; vice-presidents, Messrs N. R. Wilson and J. M. White; Executive Committee—Messrs O. J. Becg, W. K. Cameron. A. 'Duncan, G. H. Ferens, H. Fiddes, W, F. Forrester, A. J. Gordon. A. B. Natusch; hon. treasurer, Mr A. M‘Hutchon: auditors, J. W. Smeaton and Co.; and hon. solicitor, Mr P. S. Anderson. GENERAL. The necessity for a men’s cloakroom on the ground floor of the association's rooms was introduced in a motion which recommended that the executive consider the question. The motion was adopted. A vote of thanks was passed to all who had assisted the association during. the year, and especially to the ladies throughout Otago "who had helped on Poppy Day.