RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1930, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION

A HOKITIKA BRANCH

Tho annual meeting of the above was held at the Soldiers’ Hall last, night at the close of Mr Leadley’s address. Mr Evans (President) presided over an attendance of about 2d.

Mr Roy Paterson (Hon. Secretary) read tho following annual report for the year ended Anzac Day, 1930:

ANNUAL REPORT.

It is with much pleasure that your Committee presents the annual report and balance sheet which marks the completion of another successful year.

The balance on hand is very gratifying and has been attained mainly from tho revenue of the hall and benefit dance held during the year.

After calling a public meeting your Committee decided to finish the front of tho building and issued GO £5 bearer bonds at 71 per cent to ciiaible the work to be done.

These were taken up very readily and the completion of the building is in progress, and when finished will greatly improve the acdommodatiom and appearance of the hall.

Membership.—Our membership now stands at 23, a decided increase on the previous year, but with a view to further increasing our members another appeal lias been issued which we trust will meet with a good response.

Poppy Day.—The Poppy sales for 1929 were very gratifying, enabling your Association to hand over to the Borough Council £4O which was subsidised £ for £ and utilised in giving employment to unemployed returned soldiers.

Thanks are due to Mrs Perry and the assisting Girl Guides who organised the sales for the town and also to the teachers of the various country schools who assisted in selling throughout their districts with such a splendid result.

Unemployment Belief.—ln February a grant of £SO was received from the Canteens Fund for the relief of unemployment. This is being subsidised £ for £ by the Borough Council and will be handed over when they are ready to proceed with th B work intended for the employment of Returned Soldiers.

Earthquake Relief-—Representations were made by th 0 Association to the Earthquake Relief Committee on behalf of three returned soldiers and one soldiers’ widow with the result that £l9 'was granted towards restoring damaged chimneys and premises.

Christchurch Excursion.—'We had the pleasure of entertaining the Executive of the Christchurch Branch of the R.S.A. along with a number of,members and their lady friends who arrived here with the excursion on November 2nd, 1929. On behall of the Christchurch Branch they deposited a wreath on the Cenotaph in Cass Square, a kindly thought which was much appreciated. After partaking of lunch in the Soldiers’ Hall they were taken for a drive to tho Dredge and Lake Kanieri, afterwards assembling for tea. In the evening they were entertained at a dance mid left for bom© at* 11 p.m. tired hut happy and loud in their praises for the royal time they Had had.

The thanks of the Association are due to the lady helpers who officiated at the lunch and tea, also the .car owners ivho kindly placed their curs at the disposal of the visitors and the orchestra who supplied the music for the dance.

Mental Patients.—We have at present 14 Returned Solders patients m the Mental Hospital. Through the Association, the Christchurch Brunch of thc Red Cross Society supply tlu-so men. with weekly issues of tobacco and cigarettes and at Christmas, your Executive visited these men handing each a parcel of Christmas Cheer to help and brighten their festive season and-it was very gratifying to see how greatly our action was appreciated by these unfortunate Diggers.

It is with great regret that we have to record the passing of Patrick John Walsh, of South Westland, and Matron. Lloyd of the Westland Hospital, both of whom were on active service.

War Graves.—Headstones have now been erected on all the Returned Soldliors graves with the exception ol Privates P. J. "Walsh and R. M. Cain, and these will be done as soon as the headstones conic to hand.

Anzac Day, 1929.—The Annual Parade was held as usual and the service in Princess Theatre when upwards of 50 ex-soldiers were on parade. After laying wreaths on the Memorials the men marched to the Cemetery wheio about 40 wreaths were laid on the graves of fallen men, nurses and war workers. On the return to town they were the guests of the I’resident at afternoon tea in the Soldiers’ Hall.

War Memorial.—Thanks are due to the Borough Council and Beaut Lying

Society for the excellent manner in which tho War (Memorial and suroundings have been looked alter. We are greatly indebted to the Mayor and Councillors for their very lihorn r treatment and considerations will) respect to rates, etc. In conclusion, the Association wishes to express its appreciation to the; Military for their readiness at all times to parade for Military funeral-;, also to the Ladies Committee and all' helpers for services so cheerfully rendered, and to the President for his unfailing help in always championing the cause of the Hetu.rnod Soldier. Mr Paterson then read the audited statement of accounts which showed a credit of £442 in Hie building Account at the annual balance. Since then the building had been completed, and the approximate cost was £-194, leaving a debit of £52, plus £250 on debenture loan, or a total debt of £3OO. Mr Paterson said the hall was full value for £2IXIO and with plans and additions, the property could be set down at £2ooo. The report and balance sheet were received and adopted, satis)action being expressed at the general result which placed the Branch on such a good footing. The Club membership was now about -10.

The Chairman referred to the excellent support given by a. band of lady workers who had stuck to Hie Club throughout, and on his motion seconded by Rev. Knowles Smith, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded th c lady helpers. The following officers and committeeo were appointed:—President, M' D. J. Evans; Hon. Secretary, Air Roy Paterson ; General Committee. Messrs Appleton, Armstrong, Bade, Bleach, Brown, Ede, Gilchrist, Lynch. Menzics,. Stuart. Votes of thanks for past services Wore accorded the. President and the Secretary. Mr R. Paterson was appointed Branch delegate to the annual conference of the Association to he held at Wellington on the 24th inst. It was resolved the Committee di aw up a set of rules for the conduct ol the Branch, and take steps to icoiganise the ■Club on more active lines. On the suggestion ol Mr Bleach, Mr A. Parkhill was elected a He honorary member, in appreciation of his past services to the Branch. Mr Leadley pointed out that Christchurch had a strong membership of honorary members at one guinea per annum. Certain privileges were accorded the members, and their support added to the life blood of the Club. The matter of similar action here was supported by Air Armstrong and referred to the Committee, Mr Armstrong also undertook to look into the matter of Government subsidy lor poppy day funds with a view to providing extra employment. At th 0 close of Hie meeting, refreshments were served ;ln d a social hour passed in intercourse and games, and a, pleasant and enjoyable. time concluding shortly before 11 o'clock.