Manawatu Patriotic Society

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 6

Manawatu Patriotic Society

THE YEAR IN REVIEW ‘‘lt is with feelings of considerable satisfaction that I present on behalf of the executive a report of tho affairs of the society for the past year,” states tho chairman, Mr. A. E. Mansford, in the annual report of tho Manawatu Patriotic Society to bo presented at tho annual meeting to-morrow. ‘‘This satisfaction arises from a consideration of the fact that the aggregato of assistance the society has been called upon to provide for our cx-servicemen has been even less (and by a considerable amount) than it was for the preceding year. This, however, does not mean that tho need for the society as an institution diminishes with the years, nor that tho provision for the future that was sought to be established in the past was unwise. Statistics indicate that the ex-serviceman is failing in physical ability earlier in life than his fellow citizens, and that his averago of life is shortened as a result of his service. These factors particularly emphasise tho necessity for the continuing of a strong administration of the society, and the need for tho preserving of some funds for the men and their dependants. It is but natural that tho class of enquiry and assistance that has been occasioned during the year should remain exactly tho samo. Taking the different departments of help, however, I feci I should make tho general comment that from tho numerical point of view, the applicants for casual grants of those merely passing through the city have not decreased to tho same extent as they havo in other directions. This indicates that irrespective of general

conditions, this class of assistance will have to bo considered as definitely continuous, iu spite of State provision. The ; definito decrease in unemployment amongst tho ex-soldiers in tho city is further demonstrated by tho fact that during the year under review, we wero , called upon to expend ouly £350 in tho direction of providing help to the men out of work, through tho Returned •Soldiers’ Association. Once again, I feel we should express our pleasure in the assistance and co-operation received from the association and our confidence in their aid. During the year practically every ease considered was treated witli the usual sympathetic and generous consideration and the sum of £3lO 9s lid was expended. “So far as the expenditure of funds is concerned during the last year, I feel compelled to refer to those of tho preceding years when the society "was called upon to provide very largo annual sums to meet the requirements of tho men. Wo then emphasised tho wisdom of tho administration that had preserved sufficient funds to meet the requirements and that still provided for the future. »So to-day, lam convinced in my own mind of the soundness of the policy that was adopted. “During the year, two members of our executive, Messrs. F. J. Nathan and Charles Louisson, passed away. Both these gentlemen rendered valuable assistance to the society and both were conspicuous in tho early days of the war in the collection of funds for the soldiers. They both gave material help and their business knowledge was of great assistance. Ws all deeply deplore their passing. Our thanks are due to Mr. B. J. Jacobs who still continues to take such on active part in our affairs and to Mr. Jas. Blackwood, our lion, treasurer.”