CENTRAL OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24261, 1 April 1940, Page 10

CENTRAL OTAGO

RANFURLY Returned Soldiers’ Association The annual general meeting of the Maniototo branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last week. Mr C. Hore occupied the chair. The passing of four ex-diggers—Messrs S. Greer, E. Griffiths, A. Inder and W. Whiston—was referred to. The balance sheet presented showed a small credit balance and was adopted. Defence and other matters were fully discussed, the talks terminating in the passing of the following resolutions: “ That this meeting heartily supports the parent body’s action in helping to combat the evils of Communism,” " That the Dunedin branch be earnestly requested to persuade R.S.A. Headquarters to approach the Government with the object of having the personnel of the permanent military staff increased to numbers sufficient to form the skeleton personnel of all arms, to man five inland strategic points through out New Zealand with a view to making use of the manpower of the country other than the Territorial Force in a possible future serious emergency and familiarising such voluntarily assembled manpower with modern weapons of defence.” Arrangements were made for the holding of the next Anzac memorial service at Blackstone Hill, and also for the holding of the next reunion at Ranfurly on a Saturday night not later than May 20. The following officers were elected: President, Mr J. Keogh; immediate past president, Mr D. McKillop; vice-presi-dents, Messrs C. Hore and B. Hayes; secretary. Mr J. Lynch: treasurer, Mr G. A. Wilson; auditor. Mr T. Mitchell. The standing committees representing the vanout districts were re-appointed with a few alterations.