ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 37, 31 March 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSN.

WORK TO BE SUBSIDISED

The president of I lie Franklin Relumed Soldiers' Association, Mr S. P. Day. addressed the members of the Papakura branch at Wednesday's annual meeting. In the course of his remarks. Mr Day praised the work of the central executive, consisting of 21 men who control the affairs of the association, the membership of which is now well over 500. They worked harmoniously for the benefit of all returned men. Turning to the matter of new branches, he expressed his pleasure at seeing Clevedon and Pokeno linking up. and said he hoped to see Patumahoc come in before long, and include Waiau Pa and Mauku district. He had heard it said that some members joined for what they could get out of it, but this is true in a very small proportion. Between £7OO and £BOO had been distributed. "We have this year relieved distress and sickness, and we have never turned a true case down: no man has ever been to the Franklin R.S.A. and not had relief." he added. "Often it has not been as much as we would liked to have iriven." Pension cases had been accepted* by the pensions board and

appeal board, through the efforts of the association, and there was a. growing number of men who blessed the day the association started. Hff intimated that he was now working on a scheme to give further employment to returned men during the coming winter. Briefly, all men had tciv register who wore out of employment,, and men in employment who could g]^ 1 a day's or two days' work would b& subsidised by the association on a pound for pound basis. This, in addition to relief work, would help to--pay for rent and food, and would be better than issuing clothes. If work could be found, he hoped every "digger" would give a good honest day's work.' and if so. the schema would be a success. (Applause).. He urged all to enter their names on. the .register. Mr Pay mentioned that consideration was being: given to the advisability or otherwise of holding a picnic next year. Tt was just a question whether they could afford it. but when 2,000 people and hundreds of children were seen enjoying themselves, it seems hard to abolish thepicnic. The Christmas treat was sO\ successful that they could not dream of dispensing "with it. , In conclusion, he said the principles* for which the association stood were still the same. "As long as you link yourself with a true blue organisationit is going to grow," he added. Mr S. D. Rice moved votes of thanksto Mr Day and Mr E. G. Moncrief.."