OUTSTANDING SERVICES RECOGNISED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 2 October 1944, Page 3

OUTSTANDING SERVICES RECOGNISED

NELSON R.S.A. PRESENTATION TO MR A. B. KIDSON On account of the importance of the occasion a social was held by the Nelson R.S.A. for the purpose of presenting the N.Z.R.S.A. certificate for outstanding services, and the special badge which accompanies it, to Mr A. B. KidMr E. A. Harvey proposed the toast of the R.S.A. to which Dr Low replied. He mentioned the importance of the work of helping ex-servicemen and their dependents, which was rapidly £ owing under present conditions, and stressed the need, from every point of view, of the greatest possible membership and support. Mr U. R. L. West, who presided, explained that the idea of a special badge for outstanding service had first originated in a remit from the Waimea subBranch of the R.S.A. which Mr Arthur Hunter brought to the notice of the Nelson executive. After some delay this mark of distinction was approved at the last Dominion Council meeting, resulting in Mr A. B. Kidson being one of two members first to receive this honour in New Zealand.

The president then called on Mr G. R. Jamieson, wl.o had given the next longest service to the R.S.A., to present the certificate. Mr Jamieson referred to Mr Kidson’s long and careful service to the R.S A. and the value of his advice and opinion, which would no doubt be still available as required. He mentioned that over the period of his service on the R.S.A. executive. Mr Kidson had also continuouly served the ex-servicemen and their dependents on the committe of the Nelson Sick and Wounded Fund. This had been a large fund which was most carefully administered for the relief of. necessitous cases.

The president then called on Mr A. Hunter, who with the Waimea Branch had originated tire distinction, to present the badge and gold star for long and faithful service. Mr Hunter recalled the sacrifice and example of Gallipoli and France in the Great War which gave birth to the R.S.A. and its badge and the strong bond of brotherhood among men serving in a national cause, which to-day was being carried on by sons of the first servicemen and others. Mr Hunter expressed confidence that soldiers of this War would help to carry on the wider work now facing the R.S.A. and that they would be encouraged by the example of such men as Mr Kidson, who had so well earned this distinction which was honourable as those won in action. In reply Mr Kidson expressed thanks for the honour done him, mentioning that his service on the R.S.A. had begun in June, 1918. He said he had greatly enjoyed the work covering 26 years during two of which, 1928-29, he had been president. Fie had retired to make room for men of this war. He mentioned being on the committee of the Soldiers’ Club which had rendered valuable service for five years after the last war. Mr Kidson expressed his pleasure at the unique circumstances of being one of the two first recipients of the special badge. Mr Ford proposed the health of the present war men saying he was pleased to see so many joining the R.S.A. where they were most welcome. Sgt. N. C. Martin responded for the men of this war, saying that they would wish to join in remembeiing those who had given their lives, and would strive to see that their dependents had the treatment and assistance that was their right, and that disabled men and those in reduced health had the treatment they required. He was confident that the present returned men would join in the great work that lies ahead of the R.S.A. Mr G. R. McKellar proposed the toast of the special guests. Wing Commander Giles, M.8.E.. representing the Air Arm. and Col. Moore, the Army, and the other visitors. Col. Moore in responding mentioned how strong the R.S.A. could be with younger men in partnership with the older members, pointing out how they could help the soldiers of the future in the Territorial Forces by their encouragement and sympathy. Wing-Commander Giles expressed thanks on behalf of the Air Force. He described the R.S.A. as an association of soldiers out of uniform still acting in the spirit of the services, and still soldiers. He emphasised that the R.S.A. had a peculiar responsibility because, though others were very willing to help, only their comrades understood and could fully sympathise with men returned from actual war abroad and facing life again, often with impaired health. This work would be their special privilege.

During the evening items were given by Messrs D. N. Bishop, T. J. Leighs, T. Reid and Wilson, while Mr C. Lee was accompanist.