RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 22890, 23 February 1938, Page 15

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last night. Mr O. L. Calvert (president) was in the chair, and present were Messrs J. Newman Wilson, A. B. Natusch. W. K. Cameron, H..L. Paterson, G. H. Ferens, J. M. White, A. Duncan, A. Fiddes, and A. M'Hutchon. TREE-PLANTING AT ROXBURGH. Reference was made to the work of Dr J. R. Gilmore (secretary) and the Roxburgh Committee in connection with tree planting on the dredge tailings. Though the results had been affected by frosts, it was explained that it was hoped to plant out several thousand more yearling plants this year. Several speakers said they should not lose hope as the result of two bad seasons, but give the Roxburgh Committee every support they could. ANNUAL MEETING, It was decided to hold the annual meeting of the association on April 13. GIFTS. The Finance Committee reported that the association had been presented with a copy of ‘War History ’ and a set of the ‘ Times History of the War.’ NOMINATIONS AND TRANSFERS. The nominations of three new members were accepted, two transfers inwards and one transfer outwards were approved, and the death of one member was recorded. THE SYDNEY VISIT. Several matters regarding the visit of New Zealand returned soldiers to Sydney in April were discussed. Mr White pointed out that when the South Island contingent crossed to Wellington on Easter Monday it would probably number from 300 to 400, in addition to the usual With so many people travelling, he said, there might not be sufficient accommodation, and he suggested that a daylight crossing ’might bo arranged. Mr White also expressed the hope that the Dunedin men would be properly dressed, particularly with respect to the length of medal ribbons. The secretary (Mr O. L. Ferens) reported that he had the matter of clothes in hand. This dealt with suits, hats, boots, and ties. He had also applied to Army Headquarters for a quantity of medal ribbons. He was sure that Dominion Headquarters were fully alive to the situation. . Mr Paterson said that the shipping company'was bound to know what traffic to expect on that day, as it was issuing the tickets. Regarding the departure. Mr Paterson suggested that a farewell be accorded the Dunedin party at the station. It was pointed out that a local committee was handling the matter, and would make the, necessary arrangements.