SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20066, 12 October 1939, Page 4

SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

PATRIOTIC EFFORTS

REPRESENTATION SOUGHT SEND-OFF TO VOLUNTEERS Two special meetings having been held since the date of the last monthly meeting, there was not a lengthy list of business for the executive of the Gisborne Returned Soldiers’ Association last evening, many ' items being of a routine nature. Of chief interest from the public point of view was a discussion on the response made by Gisborne citizens generally to the lead given in connection with the farewell to the first detachment of troops sent to camp last week. It was pointed out that' the attendance at 2 a.m. of so great a number of people not directly connected with individual volunteers in the party was most satisfactory; the indication of interest in the detachment, and the goodwill of the public towards the men being given at some expense of time and convenience. The executive expressed its appreciation of the work of a women's committee, which provided refreshments for the detachment prior to its departure. A vote of thanks was accorded also to the Wairoa Returned Soldiers’ Association, for its interest in the Gisborne party en route to Napier. The Wairoa branch, it was reported, accepted with enthusiasm a suggestion that it should arrange for some form of refreshment for the Gisborne men at the railhead, the arrangement being carried out without a hitch. No More Early-Morning Starts The executive noted with satisfaction the assurance given by Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., that future detachments from Gisborne would not be sent off at an hour so inconvenient to the soldiers arid to the public as that selected for the dispatch of the first draft. In connection with the raising of patriotic funds, the New Zealand neadquarters forwarded a review of legislation setting up national and district control of such funds. The regulations provide for the Centennial Council in this district supervising all patriotic efforts, and exer* < rising authority as to what forms of activity may be undertaken. The .executive decided to seek direct representation on the council so that the views of the association might be put forward officially in connection with tht raising and disposal of funds. The secretary was instructed to arrange for assistance for the Poverty Bay Women’s Central Representation Committee in preparation for and during the A. and P. Show early next month. The committee will provide luncheon and afternoon tea at the Show, as a means of raising funds for patriotic work. Offer of'Experienced Help Approval was given to the following circular, a copy of which has been given to each of the men in the first detachment of troops from this districts:— “To volunteers and members of the New Zealand Special Forces^—The members of this association convey to you their’ 1 appreciation of your ready response to the country’s call. They realise from practical experience the problems that may confront you, either before you leave the district, while in camp,, or on service, or on your return to civil life. "Since 1916 the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association has been dealing with these problems, and with the problems of relatives of ex-ser-vicemen. It now desires to place its services at your disposal, and in this connection the Gisborne Territorial Association has asked to be associated with the .R.S.A. “If, therefore, you or the members of your family at any time feel that .•> advice or assistance from the association, its secretary or any of its members, and whether relating to private or business affairs, would be welcome, you and they are heartily invited to make inquiries, either personally or by letter, to the secretary. "Our secretary always will :be glad to see you or to hear from you by letter; and if unable to attend to your requirements himself, will be in a position to put you in touch with another member who can give advice or service according to your needs. • “Feeling that the experience of our members in the circumstances you are about to encounter possibly can be ' . of real value to you, we trust that you will avail yourselves of this offer should the need arise, as our. members are sincerely desirous of helping in any way they can.”