R.S.A. Notes

Hutt News, Volume 19, Issue 14, 5 September 1945, Page 5

R.S.A. Notes

The large number of lost badges has again been the subject of a number of communications between the N.Z.R.S.A? and local Associations, and every effort has been made, by appropriate suggestions, to assist members to ensure the safety of their badges. Notwithstanding these efforts applications for re-issues are greater than ever; therefore the Dominion executive committee, after most careful consideration of all available data (including the opinions of certain of the larger Associations) and with full appreciation of its responsibility to the general body of members, has decided upon a further measure in an endeavour to impress upon all members their definite responsibility, to ensure, that every reasonable care is taken of the badge. The charge for a re-issue has accordingly been increased to five shillings (5/-) to become effective from September last, 1945, and the new rate will apply for all accept ed as from that date. Applications already on hand with the local Associations and which have not been dealt with will not be affected by the increase in costs.

All existing provisions regarding re-issue will continue to apply and special reference is made to the following. (1) The badge must be advertised for by the member, this being no part of the responsibility of the local Association secretary. Exemption from this provision will be granted only by Dominion Headquarters in such cases where it is obvious that nothing could be gained by advertising. An example of the latter part of the above clause was illustrated recently when a local member notified the loss of his badge it having been dropped into a concrete building in course of erection and is now part of approximately 80 yards of solid concrete. No doubt demolition gangs will be curious of the origin of this emblem in the year 2000 and something. It is to be noted that the chairman of the local committee must sign in the space provided for the recommendation of re-issue of a badge, tne signature of the secretary cannot be accepted. After many suggested ideas for prevent ing the badge being lost, it has been decided to adopt a rubber pad which is screwed onto the point of the pin. These pads are now available and may be obtained from the local office.

The social committee held another of their "Round the Table" socials on Friday night, when approximately 120 people were present and enjoyed a really good nights entertainment. The "toasts'' honoured, were "The Fighting Services" "The Ladies" and "Visitors and Artists". The artists who contributed to, the programme were Miss E. Wood, Miss D. Mudgeway, Mr. W. Nprris, Mr. H. Oliver, and Mr. T. Martin, an orchestra under Mr. S. H. Wood played several numbers and also provided the music for community singing. At the conclusion of the programme dancing was indulged in and was much enjoyed by those present. The music for dancing was supplied by the orchestra, Mrs. Paget and Oliver, and a medley was enthusiastically received from Mr. Ray Mailman. A very pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable evening concluded with "Auld Lang Syne". It was the opinion of all present ' that these functions should be held more frequently, and a''e certainly much preferred to the usual smoke concerts. The Junior Club are making good progress in their organisation and the new committee set up for the ensuing year are to be congratulated in the way they are tackling the various problems, and also for the very fine position they have placed their financial statement in such a short time. The Ladies card afternoons which are held every Wednesday still prove popular, and the ladies are doing a great job in their various activities. The popular old time dance will be held on Saturday next, and all old and new patrons are cordially invited to attend. We have been asked by the social committee of the women's hostel, Woburn, to announce that they are running a dance in aid of the R.S.A., on Wednesday night, September sth, at the hostel, and they cordially invite as many males to attend as possible, as dancing partners. These ladies ran a previous dance for the same purpose and was a great success, and we hope as many men as possible will attend and so help these willing workers to make this function a success also.