RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3444, 16 March 1920, Page 40

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION

SOUTH OTAGO DISTRICT. A general meeting of returned soldiers in South Otago was held in the Returned Soldiers' Club Rooms at Balclutha on Monday, the Bth., when the district organiser (Lieut.colonel D. Colquhoun) delivered an address on matters connected with the work of the Returned Soldiers' Association. The meeting was the largest and most enthusiastic that has yet been held in connection with ihe Returned Soldiers' Association in the district, there being an attendance of over 60. representative of all parts of the district. Delegates were present from Milton, Kaitangata, Clydevale, ana Owaka where sub-branches of the Clutha Association have been established. Mr A. E Russell presided. After the district organiser had explained at length the aims and objects of the association, a number of questions relative to conditions affecting local returned soldiers were asked and answered by the organiser. Discussion then ensued on the means of coordinating the work of the sub-associa-tions in the district and linking up with the Clutha branch. It was stated by Mr J. Oliver (Kaitangata) that, although the Kaitangata Sub-association was at present affiliated to Dunedin, thece was a possibility of steps being taksn to transfer the affiliation to the Clutha Association. Messrs F. Farquhar (Owaka) and C. Gilray (Milton) were also pmbng the speakers. After further discussion an executive committee was elected as follows:—President, Mr F. Drummond; vice-presideats—Rev. F. J. Werrin and Mr A. E. Russell; General Committee — Messrs C. Parr, J. Weir. P. Low, A. L. Shepard, C. Stokes, E. Biggar, G. Mitchell, G. Jardine, and E. F. Allison. The following were elected patrons of the association: —Hon. D. T. Fleming, Messrs A S. Malcolm, M.P., Brigadier-general A. E. Stewart, Coloiel R. R. Grigor, and his Worship thj Mayor (Mr li. Simson). A general discussion followed with respect to the work and organisation of the association, and Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P., who was present, made a short speech on the work of the association in relation to Government assistance. Supper, presided over by lady friends of the association, was then partaken of. Totes of thanks to tho disrict organiser and tho chairma-i concluded a successful and ei.couraging meeting.