Returned Soldiers’ Association

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 121, 23 May 1941, Page 2

Returned Soldiers’ Association

The monthly meeting of the Wooclvihe R.S.A. was held on Wednesday evening. At the instance of the president (Mr. J. Charles) the secretary was instructed to convey to Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Smith the association’s sympathy in the death of their son, Gunner Victor R. Smith, who was killed in action, and members stood in respectful silence. Circulars from headquarters congratulated the association on tho increase of its membership and furnished statistics giving the total R.S.A. membership now as 38,167; of the 1)3 branches only 16 did not (show an increase for the past year. ‘ Date attachments are to be issued for w'earing with R.S.A. badges to ensure that badges are worn only by financial members; in connection with recommendations regarding the land settlement scheme, the Prime Minister had informed the executive that the Government intended to co-operate with the R.S.A. as far as possible; the R.S.A. had been advised by the Government that, for the purpose of defraying out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the administration of Home Guard units, capitation would be paid on the basis of parade attendances; in reply to its representations the R.S.A. had been informed by the Government that steps were being taken to enforce tho completion of Territorial training. A circular from the People’s Movement, seeking support for tho suggestion aiming at national unity through non-party government w r as received.

The secretary (Mr. F. D. Mackie) reported that the nett proceeds of Poppy Day sales were £3l 3s Bd, a record for the association. The collection in connection with tho Anzac Day service was £l3 19s 4d —also a record —and nett receipts were £ll 9s 9rl. The credit balaneo from the Anzac concert, was £l3 4s 6d.

‘Speaking of the success of the Poppy Day effort, the chairman referred appreciatively to many helpers, especially to the Misses Coleman (2) and the association’s thanks to them were recorded. In connection with Anzac Day activities, the generosity of Mr. N. Chapman received grateful mention as did also the ladies’ concert committee, the visiting party from Paliiatua and Eketaliuna, who declined any financial recompense, and Mr. H. Brookcr and other local helpers at the concert.

It was decided to hold the annual ball in June, and Messrs. Hurley, Little, the chairman and secretary were appointed a sub-committee. The annual re-union was also fixed for next month, the committee appointed being Messrs. Young, Hurley, May and Paddy. The Red Cross Society was unanimously granted the use of the club room on Thursday evenings for the purpose of carrying on its work. Air. H. 11. Little reported that an E.P.S. meeting had recently been held and it had suggested the drafting of a map which would indicate key emergency points, which headquarters removed from the congested locality. A member initiated a discussion on the decisions of the Alanpower Commit tee. He referred to cases in which exemptions had been granted without the hearing of evidence. Other members mentioned instances of exempted persons being ignorant of the circumstances in connection with tho exemption. The discussion lapsed. Air. J. McCormick was enrolled as an honorary member of the association.