Palmerston North R.S.A.

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6865, 23 May 1932, Page 5

Palmerston North R.S.A.

REVIEW or YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. i “When, at the last annual general meeting, the report -was presented for the consideration of membors, I doubt whether even tho most pessimistic of us could really gauge what lay before us for the then ensuing 12 months,” states tho president, Mr. B. J Jacobs, in the annual report covering the period up to March 31, 1932, and which will be presented at the annual meeting of members of the Returned /Soldiers’ Association. " Certainly we all knew that the year through which we had passed had been a dark and gloomy one for those of our fellows who were suffering the results of economic distress. Certainly, too, we wore all well aware of the fact that we were at that time on the threshold of a winter period during which we understood the possibility of any great improvement in the general conditions were very remote. It was only natural, therefore, that we should enter upon our activities for the .year now under consideration realising what tho immediate future demanded of us. However, we were then fondly hoping that tho much desired and looked for lifting of the clouds would be witnessed long before Christmas. Such, however, was not to be. Indeed, it is with very great regret that this report has to state that, far from our witnessing any improvement, the reverse was actually the case, and now we must not lose sight of the fact that our task is not nearly over yet, although wo sincerely hope that some economic read justment will be forthcoming very soon to give some measure of relief, and that finally the sun will shine again. "And whero does all this lead us so far as our association is concerned? First and foremost it emphasises the continued need for our remaining a big united body unaffected and untrammelled by differences in position, political beliefs, creed, etc. It cannot be denied that there are those who still maintain that party politics'form one or the foundations of the central association; in fact, that aspect of our existence has been definitely stated during the year. Such beliefs can be but the result of ignorance and lack of inquiry. A moment’s reflection would show that were we in any sense, of the word a political organisation we would cease to exist in the course of but a few weeks. Attempts were at one time made to introduce the political aspoct, but all were frustrated, the mere fact that we are accepted by all. classes of the public as a useful institution in our community, coupled with confidence in our sincerity and purpose, should of itself be an incentive to hundreds of out fellows who refuse ns the assistance of their membership. I Increase In Membership. ’ ‘ The year has shown a very substantial increase in the active membership. At the same time, on behalf of the executive, I desire to say that we are still not satisfied that we have reached the peak, and that no effort should be spared by the incoming committee to further enhance the reputation and the usefulness of our organisation/ by a further increase in our ranks. I make a personal appeal to all ex-service men to join up with us, and coupled with that appeal I recommend to them a consideration of what the association has been ablo to achieve during the past year. An earlier report published through the Press made public the ex-* tent of the operations of the association in respect to assisting members who have been forced into the ranks of the unemployed, and I merely add that the extent of those operations should encourage those who have left us or who have never joined us to either return or enroll as membors as the aase may be. i Economic Pensions. i "There are one or two essential questions that should be mentioned in this report, although the subject matter really falls outside the actual 12 months being considered. The main one is the statutory reduction of the economic pensions. This is a most difficult matter and is one whiefh undoubterly will be dealt with at the coining conference of the New Zealand Association.- While your committee is scarcely in agreement with the action of the executive 'committee in Wellington, in agreeing to the reduction of the economic pension, there are certain reasons that would justify a reduction from the point of view of the reduction of other payments. The main thing to be remembered is that actual war pensions have not been touched in any way, and that the reduction of the econoffiie pension is more or less in line with the general reductions of salaries that are affected by legislation. The other matter is the rearrangement of the benefits under tho Government unemployment scheme. How far this is going to affect the activities of the association as'they have been carried out in the past it is not at present in our power to say. All w© can hope for is that this sphere of usefulness and benefit of the association will be available for those of our fellows who are in difficulties. In addition to this, the only point to be stressed is that there is an impression that these benefits have only been available to financial members of our association. This is quite incorrect as sympathetic consideration is given to all ex-servicemen whether they are members or not. Other Activities. I "An increase in the membership of the library was recorded, but it is still hoped that a greater number of members will take advantage of the library benefits. There has been a slight falling off in revenue in the billiard room department, but, taking in-to consideration the fact that the social committee lowered the billiard charges during last winter, the result must be considered very satisfactory. A '‘number of graves at the Kelvia Grove cemetery have received attention. We would especially thank the sexton, Mr. Walker, for the interest which he takes in the graves. Our thanks are due to Messrs Hodder and Tolley, Ltd., for donation of grass seed for the plots at the cemetery.' "Again our very sincere thanks are due to M.r. S. Wright for his assistanco.

and work in connection with the visiting of soldier patients at the hospital and for Ms kindness in distributing comforts forwarded by the association. Our thanks are also due to the Municipal transit department for kindness in forwarding parcels without charge to the hospital." The report also makes reference to the social activities of the association and the observance of Anzac Day.