RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 13 June 1928, Page 11

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

SCHEME OF ADMINISTRATION. DISTINCT FROM ASSOCIATION. “It is not even necessary for a returned soldier to be a member of the association to have the light of entry to the club, which is open without fee to all members or ex-members of his Majesty’s forces who have seen active service,” said Mr. S. R. Veitch, president of the South Taranaki Returned Soldiers’ Association, when interviewed by a “Hawera Star” reporter with reference to the administration of the Soldiers’ Club at Hawera and its connection with the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

“The affairs of the club and the association are administered by two separate bodies,” continued Mr. Veitch, “the control of the club being /vested in a management committee consisting of four burgesses of the town, appointed by the Borough Council annually, and four members of the association executive, appointed at the association’s annual meeting. The club management committee handles the whole of the club finance and is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building and fixtures, but does not revive any portion of the returned soldiers’ subscriptions to the association, its only sources of revenue being the proceeds from the billiard and card tables, subscriptions from honorary members and fees received for the use of meeting rooms. It so happens that the offices of honorary secretary to the, club management committee and secretary to the association are held by one person at present, but it does not necessarily follow that such should be the case, ancl no honorarium is paid him in respect of the club work.” SHOP DAY EFFORT. Referring to the present effort being made, to liquidate a debt on the club furniture, Mr. Veitch said the association had taken the matter up as the result ot' the management committee’s request, and one of the recommendations of a sub-committee appointed to inquire into ways and means was that a shop day be organised. “Out of a debt of £2lO on the. furniture, which was the only liability when the club was opened in 1921, there remains £BO to he provided for, the balance of £l3O having been raised by various ways and means,” said Mr. Veitch. “On Thursday the shop day is being held as recommended to assist in raising the amount, and premises have been kindly placed at the disposal of the committee free of charge by Mrs. J. M. Collins. Generous response, has been received to a circular appeal sent to association members for assistance in the form of goods, the sale of which will afford those desirous of helping the fund the opportunity of doing_ so, and at the same time reap a certain measure of benefit in return.”