RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 20527, 2 July 1928, Page 11

RETURNED SOLDIERS

ANNUAL MEETING OF RIVERTON BRANCH. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. (From Our Correspondent.) The annual general meeting of the Riverton branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, when, despite inclement weather, there was a large attendance, and proceedings were most enthusiastic. Mr C. Parkin (the president) occupied the chair. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated inter alia that the association had thoroughly justified its existence, and has proved its ability to get things done for our less fortunate comrades. At this meeting you will be asked to approve of the affiliation of this body as a sub-association of the Invercargill R.S.A. This, we’trust, you will do, as the Invercargill R.S.A. at its annual meeting altered its constitution so as to admit us, and, at the same time, elevated itself to a much higher plane by having extended its activities to the fostering of aims and objects among the younger generation, resulting in the making of better citizens. By affiliating with this central body it will enable us to extend our activities to bigger things, and so be a more potent factor in the community. Pensions—This is a branch of the work that has taken a great deal of time and consideration, but the work has been well merited by the results. .It is surprising to find at this time new cases coming forward to make application for pensions, but such is the case. These cases are very difficult to deal with as data requires to be collected from time of discharge. During the past twelve months -we have successfully dealt with two of these, both requiring to go before the Appeal Board, besides dealing with several for increased pensions and a number for economic pension. The dealing in pension cases alone has merited the existence of this body, and the need for assistance in this direction will be ever present as time goes on. War Funds—lt is very gratifying to record the fact that the various cases submitted by us to the Southland War Funds Association have received every consideration, and the relations existing between the two bodies are most cordial. Re union—The annual Western District Re-union was last year staged at Riverton, and was pronounced a huge success, largely due to the presence of our Gore comrades who came in numbers and helped the show along. We trust our Gore friends will be well represented at our future re-unions. Our thanks are due to the ladies who so generously donated dishes of good things and laid the tables.

Other Re-unions—During the year Riverton was represented at three held in Invercargill, and the annual event at Gore. Ball—The Returned Soldiers’ ball, which is now looked upon as an annual event, was again successfully conducted during the year, bringing pleasure to those present and profit to the association.

Poppy Day—This year Poppy Day was again a marked success, but the results would have been considerably increased had the weather been more favourable. Nevertheless, the very creditable sum of £2O odd was collected. Our thanks are due to Miss Popsy Trotter and Miss I. Fraser for their splendid effort. Visitors—We were honoured during the year by a visit from General Russell, our Dominion president. During his brief stay he visited the several Digger inmates at the Wallace Hospital, and also took great interest in the War Monument, recognizing quite a number of names listed thereon.

Anzac Day—The usual service was conducted in the Empire Theatre, when very impressive addresses were given, and was largely attended by the public and Digger alike. Owing to unsatisfactory weather the service at the monument was cancelled. In the morning a party journeyed to the cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of their fallen comrades. We are very grateful to the many friends who assisted in various ways to make this service the success it was, also to those who kindly forwarded floral tributes. As in former years arrangements were made for speakers to visit the school and address the children on Anzac Day. Our thanks are due to the speaker and to the school authorities for allowing the opportunity for the visit. The collection on Anzac Day will be devoted to cleaning and improving the surroundings of the South African War Memorial, and to the soldiers’ graves in the cemetery. Arrangements are now in hand to have this work done by soldier labour. Finance —We are fortunately in a satisfactory position regarding finance, this being particularly so with Anzac Day account. Should we extend our activities, the expenditure would necessarily increase, but this could be met, on becoming affiliated, by retaining a portion of the subscriptions collected. Monument —The thanks of this organiz ation are due to Mr A. E. Willett, who recently donated the section at the rear of the town. Not only has he made this magnificent gift, but is laying out the grounds around the monument and maintaining same. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £2l. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said the year’s work was plainly set forth in the statement and there remained nothing further for hin to say. Mr J. A. Martin seconded the motion, and congratulated Mr Parkin on his work for the year. The motion was carried. OFFICE-BEARERS. The election of office-bearers for the year resulted as follows: —President, Mr L. R. Jordon; vice-presidents, Dr Gordon and Mr J. A. Martin; committee, Messrs H. Molloy, H. C. Johnstone, R. Dickson, W. Spencer, R. Hayles and W. Trembath; secretary, Mr C. Parkin; assistant secretary, Mr D. Hayles; treasurer, Mr G. R. Berndtson; auditor, Mr H. Spear. Messrs Jordan, Martin and Hayles were appointed a vigilance committee. Delegates to R.S.A.: Messrs Martin and Parkin. OTHER BUSINESS. A short discussion followed as regards affiliating with Invercargill R.S.A., and it was decided to do so. The matter of the re-union and the dance was left in the hands of the general comr m it tee. After the conclusion of the ordinary business those present sat down to a light repast and a pleasant time was spent.