LONG SERVICE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 59, Issue 4278, 12 May 1950, Page 7

LONG SERVICE

23 YEARS PRESIDENT MR EDWARDS RETIRES PAEROA AND HAURAKI R.S.A. “After having the privilege of serving on the committee of your association since 1920 and the high honour of being your president for 23 years I have now decided to retire from that position so that some other member can have the honour,” said Mr Edwin Edwards, president of the Paeroa and Hauraki Returned Services Association, at the annual meeting of the association held recently in Paeroa.

“On my retirement I wish to record my very sincere appreciation to the members and officials of the association for supporting me for so long and for the support and great assistance rendered by the various committeemen in the interests of fellow members of our great association. It is impossible to fully record the services of such old members as Dave Vincent, Joe Walmsey, Edgar Harris, John Craig, Bill Crosbie, Syd Anderson, Neville Hedges Syd Tidswell, Geo. Rasters, Tom Fulton and' many others as well as later members like Tom Gregson and the new committee men of World War II,” continued Mr Edwards.

! “The importance of the association ' and work associated with it has always ! been uppermost in my mind and my 1 desire has always been to give the ! time and energy necessary and for this I have been amply repaid by reresults. Members should know that the main work of the association is not in the social side but is carried out in pension and welfare activities : and these are never publicised'. The social side has however an important bearing and should be fostered. Work of R.S.A. “During my long association with the R.S.A. it has passed through many vicissitudes. After its formation during World War I it grew in strength and filled an important part in the rehabilitation of the Diggers After a few years it waned in membership and interest and it was not until the depression years that it again became an active organisation and was able to do, and did do, a great deal to assist not only members but all returned' men in those trying times. Men out of employment were given much needed assistance. Soldier settlers who were struggling on uneconomic farming properties were assisted in obtaining revaluations in many cases, and although many of the settlers went off their farms, many were assisted and were able to remain on the land and make good. “The advent of World War II gave the association much new interest and their main efforts were concentrated on making preparation for the protection, assistance and rehabilitation of men returning from that war. Had it not been for R.S.A. efforts the rehabilitation scheme, as it now is, would not have been anywhere near its present set up. The association realises that it is not perfect by any means, but it has removed many of the pit falls and difficulties which would have otherwise been encounted. Today the R.S.A. is still fighting for the benefit of its younger members and in the fight is receiving full cooperation from the Kiwis. Much Still To Be Done “There is stil a great deal to be undertaken and for many years there will be problems and worries for those controlling the R.S.A. but I feel confiident that there will always be men in the association who will be prepared to accept those responsibilities. I hope that this branch will always have such men offering. “In conclusion I want to record the pleasure I have personally received by my association with the R.S.A.’ and ,R.S.A. men. I want to humbly acknowledge the honour of being invested with a life membership and certificate of merit and the association’s gold star, and to reaffirm my continued and active interest in the association.

“In now handing over the presidency to my successor I wish him as much happiness and satisfaction in his positionas I have derived from it. I appeal to give him and his committee loyal .support and may the association continue to fulfill the high ideals for which it was inaugurated.”