RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17635, 27 May 1919, Page 9

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Tho monthly general meeting of members of tho Returned Soldiers' Association was lield in tho association's rooms last night. Tho president- (Dr T. Harrison) occupied tlio chair. Tho eommitteo's report for tho period sinco April 23 contained tho following clauses': —Membership: With the increasing number of returning men the strength of die association is rapidly growing, 317 members having been admitted to membership 8 transferred in, 19 transferred to other centres, and 2 havo died, ieavinsj tho total membership at 2113. 11 10 following members were appointed as delegates to tho annual conference, now being hold in Christchurch :—L>r Harrison, Captain l<, P. Jones, Messrs U L. Calvert, J. E. MacManus, and A. C. kiung, Messrs Calvert. JUucManus, and Jjaing attending. In regard to tho peace celebrations, arrangements havo been made wneroby a huge vaudeville entertainment will bo given to the returned soldiers on tho Wednesday evening in tho week of celebrations. Free refreshments will also bo provided on the Monday and Tuesday. A number.of seats will also'be reserved for returned soldiers for all the- performances. It is pointed out, however, that theso will be reserved until 7.45 p.m. only. A deputation from representatives of this association and the local Repatriation Board met Sir James Allen on hia recent visit to Dunodin, and urged that all men on the local staff who nave not seen activo service bo dismissed and their places filled by returned soldiers. It is behoved that the request is being met in some measure. The deputation also urged that the financial assistance scheme bo made retrospective. Tho Minister stated that the matter was already dealt with, but upon the arrival of the Soldiers' Guido it was found that the retrospection dated back to January 16, 1917, only, and a strong resolution has been forwarded to tho Minister demanding that this and all other increases in allowances and pay bo made retrospective to the outbreak of the war. In April last the position of returned soldiers attending tho university regarding their railway passes was brought under the notice of the committee, and a reply has been received from tho Minister of Defence stating that medical students who have resumed their studies may have the date of their passes extended until the vacation, on application to Base Records. Ihe committee has to adviso members that the Otago Egg Circle is offering to returned soldiers who are taking up poultry farming one year's free membership, together with freo'stamp, etc. The President, in submitting the report, said that the men were returning in large numbers just now, and were evidently realising the value of the association, if not to themselves, then to others, for many of them were joining up with the association He had mentioned the matter of repatriation allowances to General Richardson, and he knew the general would use his influence to get for them what he considered right. He urged all members to help along the building campaign. The report was adopted. The Chairman stated that it had been decided to set up nominations, social, membership, musical, and ceremonial committees to assist the executive committee and to widen the activities of the association. The electing of these committees was held over till the meeting of the association with General Kichardson this evening. The Secretary reported that Mr E L. Macassey was arranging a Chrysanthemum ?Si t° T iL™t %T Whe ? he h °P ed *o raise ±500 for the building fund. Hβ wished the assistance of as many of the returned men as possible. The Building Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Memorial Club' wrote asking if members of the association could arrange to take charge of stalls during the Peace Week celebrations. Members were asked to assist and to secure the assistance ot their lady this matter. The President announced that an extraordinary meeting of all returned soldiers with General Richardson would be held in * ° - Art hl7 HaU a * 8 o'clock tins evening. The general was keen to meet as many men as possible and to speak to them on the subject of repatriation.