RETURNED SOLDIERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22269, 23 May 1934, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last evening, and was attended by Messrs A. Thomas (president), A. M'Hutchon, W. F. Forrester, H. L, Paterson, G. L. Ferens, J. M. White, P. S. Anderson, A. C. Laing, A. S. Falconer, and C. L. Calvert. Twenty-two new members and seven honorary members were elected, and one 1 transfer inwards and one outwards were approved. Tlie report on the membership campaign showed that Dunedin’s membership was 1122, and that of Christchurch 891. The president mentioned that the Dunedin membership constituted a record for the local association. AFFORESTATION WORK. Mr P. S. Anderson, in moving the adoption of the Lands Committee’s report, said that the Roxburgh Committee wished to get 170 acres of tailing land to carry out afforestation. This had been carried out in another place where it had proved very satisfactory. It was now desired to extend the operations, and the Returned Soldiers’ Association approached the commissioner of lands, who had referred the matter to Wellington. The State Forestry Department hr»l stated that no return could be expected from pinus insignis in less than 40 years, but the association anticipated 15 or 20 years on account of the shortage of firewood there. The association was not so concerned with that aspect as with work that would give employment to returned soldiers. The report was adopted. POPPY DAY FUNDS. Mr Paterson said that there had been a good deal of criticism outside the association as fo the use made of the Poppy Day funds, and lie would like to have a report on the actual distribution of that fund for the year 1933 laid on the table for the next meeting. “I think we should know for our own sake how the funds are spent and in what proportion.” Mr Paterson added. “ I have had several criticisms levelled at me within the past two or three weeks, and I don’t think any member of the executive knows what is the net amount spent on returned soldiers. If we are prepared to meet criticism we should know where we stand.” Mr Anderson agreed with Mr Paterson’s remarks. The matter was referred to the Unemployment Committee for a report.