HELP APPRECIATED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23220, 18 June 1937, Page 10

HELP APPRECIATED

RETURNED SOLDIERS' GESTURE GIFT TO GREEN ISLAND BOROUGH The presentation of an address of thanks to the Green Island borough was made by the Green Island branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association at a function last night. The New Zealand Association recently celebrated its twenty-flrst anniversary, and, as an expression of thanks for co-operation and assistance given, addresses similar to that handed over last night have lately been presented to local bodies throughout the country by the branches concerned.

. The presentation was made by the president of the branch (Mr J. Thomson) to the Mayor of Green Island (Mr T. M. M'Ahan). Besides branch members, representatives from the Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Association were present, and there was a good attendance of the public Mr Thomson said that in April last the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association had celebrated its twentyflrst birthday. The association had particularly these days to assist those returned men who were disabled and those whose health was undermined. Without the support of the public the association's officials could not have accomplished much, Mr Thomson said They were deeply indebted to borough councils and other public bodies for their sympathy and valuable assistance, and in this respect he mentioned especially the Green Island Borough Council, which, was the only one in Otago_ to subsidise the Poppy Day funds.'

Mr M'Ahan, in receiving the address, said that they knew and appreciated what the soldiers had done in the War, and it was right that they should be assisted. It was gratifying to note the manner in which the association looked after the interests of its members, and, as long as this position was maintained, the public would give its support. The president of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Association (Mr C. L. Calvert) stated that he could say that in his executive's estimation the Green Island branch was one of the best it had. They must remember that at all times the returned men wished to be regarded as ordinary citizens, and not as a body apart. They should not be put on a pedestal, for the soldiers had to thank those who remained behind for a great deal. During the evening an excellent programme of items was given, the following contributing:—Mrs A. L. Burk (pianoforte solos), Master W. Mason (song and tap dance). Miss M. Miller (song). Miss M. Kerr (recitation), and the Returned Soldiers' Association Choir Quartet (Messrs P. S. Anderson, T. Ballintyne, G. Swan, and O. Holden). Mrs A. L. Burk was the accompanist.