A FULL YEAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26582, 3 October 1947, Page 6

A FULL YEAR

2ND N.Z.E.F. ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP DOUBLED “ Our association has had a very full year and the existence of it here has been justified by the increase in membership, which has more than doubled during the year,” s4id the vice-president, Mr L. F. Percy, at the third annual meeting of the Dunedin branch of the 2 N.Z.E.F. Association, held last night. Over 150 members attended the meeting, and also present were the Dominion president, Mr K. Melvin, and the president of the Auckland branch, Mr J. Jepson. Mr Melvin, in a short address, outlined the Dominion executive’s policy Speak-

ing of war memorials, he urged members to continue battling for the principle of commemorating the dead by serving the living. , . In answer to a question, Mr Melvm said that representation on the National Patriotic Fund Board had been gained after a stern struggle, but as the strength of the association was unevenly distributed throughout the country it had not been able to obtain representation on Rehabilitation Committees. It was decided, after a full discussion, that the honorary membership be restricted to the present number of 20. The Otago and Southland War Amputees’ Association sought affiliation, which was granted. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr E. F. Tibbetts: vicepresident, Mr W. Jamieson: Executive Committee —Messrs A. Austin, R. W. Freeman, R. J. Gilbert, G. Henwood, W. J. Hudson, J. W. Hutchinson, J. D. Mclntosh, H R. McPherson, W. Paul, L. F. Percy, A C. Sherrlff and E. Wood; delegates to Dominion conference —Messrs Gilbert, Hutchinson, McPherson, Paul and Percy, and Tibbetts (Dominion vice-president). When paying a tribute to the work of the president. Mr Tibbetts, Mr Melvin said he was sorry to learn that the war injuries suffered by Mr Tibbetts had made it necessary for him to re-enter hospital. The guidance of the Dunedin branch in its formative, years had been in the hands of Mr Tibbetts, and nobody could, have done it better. Mr Melvin also referred to the fine secretary the branch possessed, and he was sure no services organisation in the country had a more efficient secretary than the Dunedin 2 N.Z.E.F. Association had in 'Mr J. P. Innes. Other speakers expressed similar opinions, and it was decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Tibbetts.-