SERVICEMEN MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 3999, 28 May 1948, Page 6

SERVICEMEN MEET

WAIKINO BRANCH R.S.A. OFFICERS FOR YEAR ELECTED The annual meeting of the Waikino sub-branch of the Waihi Returned Servicemen’s Association was held in the R.S.A. clubrooms, Waikino, on Saturday last. The attendance was small.

Prior to the opening of the meeting the president made reference to the passing of Mr J. McClintock, who had been a foundation member of the branch, and to Mrs E. Yearbury, late wife of Mr L. Yearbury, an ex-pre-sident of the branch, the meeting standing in silence for a few minutes as an expression of sympathy with the relatives.

The annual report as submitted by the retiring president, Mr G. Berry, showed that the number of financial members for the year was 50, against 61 for the previous period. The president stressed the need for more general interest and the enrolment of all ex-servicemen. During the year after several meetings with the members of the ladies’ branch, they decided to become a part of this branch. They had assisted in bvery way possible during the year, and their cooperation had been appreciated. Work on Clubrooms Regarding the clubrooms the president stated that further progress had been made, including additions to the building, as well as renovations and painting, both inside and outside, costing over £lB5. The general fund was depleted by this expenditure and it was decided to make an effort to raise further funds to complete the work and furnish the rooms. The ladies’ committee had assisted materially in this respect and a street stall had been held. This did not take place until after the end of the financial year, therefore the result did not show in the present financial statement. With the amount collected to date, with more to come in, the incoming committee will have funds in hand to carry out all necessary words. “ It has always been our policy to make our social evenings self-sup-porting, and never at any time calling on the general fund,” stated the president. Our annual re-union was held early in the year quite successfully and we were fortunate in having a number of visiting artists. Other functions were held during the year, and we have in hand a very substantial balance.”

The picnic fund remained the same as at the end of last year, as owing to the epidemic, and the ban on children’s gatherings it had been decided not to hold a picnic this year, reported the president. Parcels For Britain “ During the year we ran a series of dances and invited donations for the purpose of raising funds to send parcels to Britain. In all we collected £5O. The ladies’ committee took a hand in the packing and sending of the parcels and up to the end of the year 50 parcels were sent, entailing an expenditure of £4l. Since the end of the year further 10 have been sent,” stated the president.

The distress fund showed a credit balance of £315. “We had one call on the fund during the year. A member who had to proceed to Australia for special treatment, was allotted £5O to cover part expenses. This member has now returned and is able to work, but is still receiving treatment at the St. Dunstan’s Institute,” reported the president. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr G? Metcalfe for his services as hon. auditor. Officers Elected The election of officers resulted: President, Mr V. Hollis; vice-presid-ents. Messis A. Murrel! and R. Metcalfe; secretary, Mr B. Edwards; tieasurer, Mr J. Kil’.ey; committee, Mes-”s J. Benney, A. Lloyd, G. Berry, W. Momhan, L. Yearbury, G. Mat-' thews, L. Phillips and G. Morrow. '■ Attending the meeting was Mr L. R. Ccrnwi’.i, secretaiy of the Waihi Ee.urned Seivicc-’ Association. An apology for unavoidable absence was iceeived Gum Mr Malcolm, president oi th. Waihi R.turne.l Se> vices' Association. It was i.eeilcl l> hold the annual re-ur.ion or. June 11’.