Kerikeri RSA To Arouse Interest In Training

Northern Advocate, 30 May 1949, Page 6

Kerikeri RSA To Arouse Interest In Training

UNANIMOUS support for a policy of compulsory universal ulitary training was given by the 12th annual general meeting if the Kerikeri Returned Services Association held in the Kerikeri Hall.

The importance of arousing-public opinion on the subject in -e district was mentioned by several speakers, and it was decided set up a special sub-committee to convene public meetings and -range for speakers to address the people of Kerikeri and strict.

The policy of the Joint Defence Action Committee, a body incorporating the RSA, the HSA, the Air Force Association and the Defence League was outlined by the president (Mr N. R. Brady), who said that it was up to local associations to do what they could to bring the issues before the public. Mr E. A. Collins stressed the need for a sub-committee to convene public meetings and arouse. public opinion now.

to bring forward without further delay a scheme for compulsory universal military training.” ' The special sub-committee was then appointed, members comprising Messrs Brady, Collins and D. L- McGregor MacDonaldOfficers for the following year were elected as follows: President, Mr T Kendall; vice-president, Mr D. G. Bennett; treasurer, Mr B. M. Clarke; secretary, Mr W. J. Stewart; executive committee, Messrs W. G. Kendall, W H. Douglas and L. E. Anderson. Mr Douglas was appointed delegate to attend the annual Dominion conference in Wellington in June.

Emphasising the importance of the subject, Mr S. B. Hamon said that it might not be a case of sending a force overseas but of providing one to defend our own shores. The invasion of our homeland by enemy forces had to be considered seriously. On the motion of Mr A. E. Barclay it was resolved that: “The Kerikeri Returned Services Association, being alarmed at the continued lack of a sound Government policy on defence, reaffirms its wholehearted support for the campaign being carried out by the Joint Action Defence Committee and urges that the Government be pressed

At the commencement of the meeting members stood in silence in memory of the late Mr G. C. Queen. The work that had been donr by the president (Mr Brady) for the association during his two years in office was mentioned by Mr McGregorMacDonald when Mr B.ady was accorded a hearty vote of thanks at the conclusion of the meeting.

Mr Brady had been a tower of strength and would be missed from the position, it was stated.