R.S.A. Meeting

Northland Age, Volume XVII, Issue 64, 14 May 1948, Page 2

R.S.A. Meeting

President Retires

At Wednesday night’s annual general meeting of the Mangonui County Branch of the Returned Services’ Association, Mr. J. William Dawson retired from the Presidency after lengthy and faithful service in this office. His place will be filled during the ensuing year by Mr. John Gill, who was elected unopposed. As some measure of appreciation of- the services of Mr. Dawson to the Branch, it was resolved on a unanimous vote that application be made for the Gold Badge of the Association to be conferred on him and that he be elected a life member. His leadership of the Branch throughout a lengthy period and his practical assistance towards the realisation of members’ ambitions with regard to the construction of a local R.S.A. Hall, were the subjects on which speakers dwelt in glowing terms. Other Officers Mr. Dawson will ihare Vice-Presi-dency of the Branch with Mr. Arnold Rae during 1948-49, and Mr. J. O’Sullivan will again assume office as Secretary-Treasurer. Messrs. G. A. Nicholls and W. H. Hanning will fill the positions of Solicitor and Auditor respectively. The Kaitaia Central Executive will consist of Messrs. J. Morrison, G. Simmonds, W. Yendell, E. Kendnck and E. Kay. The various districts will be represented by J. Smith and H. W. Lamb ( Houhora and North ), C. J. Foster (Oruru-Peria), J. Liste r and A. Hicks (Awanui), P. Atkinson (Kaingaroa), V. G. Kitchen (Fair-bums-Victoria Valley), H. Sanders (Takahue) and D. Uilich (PukepotoAhipara). Patriotic Committee representatives will be the President, Secretary and Vice-President, Mr. A. Rae. President’s Report In his report on the past year’s activities, the retiring President dwelt on the progress achieved in the construction of the hall, its interior fittings, lighting, furnishing, etc. He also expressed his appreciation of the co-operation and services of the executive during his term of office and extended to the new President his test wishes for a successful year. Balance Sheet The report and balance sheet presented by the Secretary-Treasurer, revealed that the Branch was in a sound financial position. Income during the year had exceeded expenditure, excluding capital. General Advice of the retirement from active participation in the Branch’s affairs was received with regret from Mr. J. B. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds had been forced to take this action as result of recent ill-health. Appreciation of his lengthy and valued services to the Branch were placed on record and members expressed the hope that he would shortly be capable of resuming his former prominent place in local R.S.A. affairs. The notice of motion given by Mr. L. A. Mclntosh, covering a levy on members to cover the cost of furnishing the hall, was withdrawn after some discussion. Official opening arrangements a.'e to be left in the hands of the incoming executive with the proviso tha' the hall be used for R.S.A. purposes only in the interim.