FEILDING R.S.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 21 April 1938, Page 4

FEILDING R.S.A.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Feilding Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last evening, when in the absence of the president (Mr Bruce McLeod), who is en route to Sydney, Mr T. K. Hay (vice-president) presided over a good attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs B. McLeod, C. V. Guy, Lee, Halcombe branch, and members of the Sydney contingent.

Mr Hay extended a warm welcome to those present and before asking the secretary (Mr C. V. Jewell) to read the minutes requested the meeting to stand in silence as a mark of respect to members who had passed away. The annual report (previously published) was read and adopted. The balance-sheet- showed the finances to be in a very satisfactory state. The meeting decided to increase the personnel of the executive from three country and four town representatives, to four and five, respectively. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr B. McLeod; vice-presi-dent, Mr F. J. Allen; secretary, Mr Jewell; committee, Messrs Fraser McKenzie, W. Booth, H. D. Richardson, H. Brooker (country representatives), C. H. Tate, R. H. Buchanan, A. A. Clifford, T. L. Donaldson, C. B. Mcj Clure (town representatives). POPPY SALES. The Halcombe branch wrote complaining of the action of some branches in selling poppies prior to the week preceding Anzac Day. The chairman stated that the Halcombe branch was justified in drawing attention to the action complained of, and said that he had noticed poppies being worn well before the prescribed period, viz.—-one week prior to Anzac Day. The secretary stated that Halcombe had held its Poppy Day yesterday, and the organisers had experienced a trying and unsuccessful day. They had found that most of the residents had bought poppies, in Palmerston North.

After a lengthy discussion the following. motion was approved of: “That this meeting reaffirms its' previously expressed opinion that the spirit actuating the sale of poppies is best served by conducting such as near as possible to Anzac Day. and that the following remit be submitted to the next- annualmeeting of delegates: ‘That Poppy Day be restricted to any day within one week before Anzac Day.’ ” SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS.

It was decided to fully sujiport a remit forwarded by Keri Keri branch : “That, having regard to the diminished expectation of life of returned soldiers and to the loss of opportunity, health, energy, and earning power which the majority of them have suffered and will continue to suffer in consequence of their war service, this association considers that all benefits

under the national superannuation scheme should be granted to returned soldiers at the age of 50 years.” It was agreed that ' the assistance of Hon. J. G. Cobbe and Mr C. L. Hunter, M.P. be requisitioned in the matter of providing returned soldiers with superannuation benefits at the ago of \SO years. SUBSCRIPTION RATE. A general discussion took place regarding the amount of the membership subscription and the chairman, who introduced the matter, expressed his opinion that it should be reduced to os. He felt that the membership would be raised to 100 per cent. if the amount was reduced. With the exception of the Palmerston North Association, which levied a fee of 10s, most associations had a membership fee of os. A motion that the fee be 5s was carried by 24 votes to 12. It was pointed out that the membership had dropped from 186 to 176 last year. On the motion of Mr F. J. Allen, it was decided that, in future, only a portion of the cost of the secretary’s telephone be paid. On the motion of Mr Allen the secretary’s -honoraria was increased to 15 guineas, an increase of three guineas. GENERAL. A recommendation to the incoming committee that Anzac Day observance be concluded with a concert was made. Upon taking the chair, Mr Allen referred to the work of the president (Mr McLeod) and the retiring vice-president (Mr Hay). He was sure that the executive would continue to work hard in the interests of the association. Jn connection with Mr Hay, the speaker moved a resolution expressing thanks for his untiring work. The motion was seconded by Mr Tate and supported by other speakers, including Messrs Donaldson and Jewell. The former referred to the work of Mr Hay during the depression period, when he did his best to place “Diggers” in work. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr Hay suitably acknowledged the remarks made. it was decided that a special letter of appreciation be sent to Yen. Archdeacon F. H. Petrie for arranging Anzac Day addresses. The opportunity was taken by the chairman to refer to the lengthy service of Mr O. Aldis as the auditor and on behalf of the association an envelope containing a sum of money was presented to Mr Aldis bv Mr Allen. The recipient suitably replied.