RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 20770, 10 May 1929, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS

INVERCARGILL ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REPORT. Following is the annual report of the I Invercargill Returned Soldiers’ Association for the year ending March 31 as follows: — I Membership.—The membership at the I close of the financial year was 311, an increase of 73 oh the previous year’s figures. During the year 1,000 pamphlets, setting out the aims and objects of the association and appealing for renewals and new members, were posted to returned men in the Invercargill district and although as a result a number of new members joined up, the response was not as satisfactory as desirable. Unemployment no doubt plays a part in the present difficulty of obtaining renewals and securing new members, but probably the largest factor is apathy due to the difficulty of conveying to members sufficient information of the association’s many and varied activities. Fortnightly reports of meetings of your executive are given to the Press, but there Is so much of a personal and confidential nature dealt with that full reports of the actual work carried out cannot be publicly circulated. We would suggest that each member of the association make an effort to secure at least one new member during the coming year. It may be as well to mention that any member who has become in arrears, may, on payment of his current year’s subscription, rejoin the association. Unemployment.—This was again a very serious problem during the past year, no fewer than 80 men having registered for work. Through our subsidized scheme with the corporation these men were employed for varj’ing periods during the winter and so assisted over the worst months, the amount distributed in relief wages (including subsidy) being £1,026 15/8. We wish to thank the Borough Council for the very sympathetic and practical manner in which it co-operates with the association in dealing with this problem. Pensions.—A great deal of time is taken up dealing with pensions. Cases are continually coming under notice where returned men are breaking down in health. In numerous cases these men were discharged Class A and it is most difficult to prove to the satisfaction of the Pensions Department that the disability is due to war service. In a great number of cases increases in pensions have been obtained for those already in receipt of small pensions, but in very few instances have we been successful in obtaining pensions for men discharged Class A. As the years pass work of this nature is increasing.

Poppy Day.—Poppj' Day was held on Saturday, April 21. The weather was wretched, but the keenness of our lady workers overcame the elements, and including donations the respectable sum of £476 was reached. We feel deeply indebted to, and wish to thank all those ladies and their assistants who were responsible for the canvassing and collections. Anzac Day.—The children’s service, parade of returned men, territorials and cadets was held as usual on Anzac Day and although the day was showery a very large concourse of interested citizens attended all services. The arrangements for the children’s service were under the supervision of Mr L. D. MacY'icker, whom we congratulate on the very fine manner in which the service was conducted. The service in the theatre, Which was filled To capacity was most solemn and impressive. Armistice Day.—Armistice Daj' was observed by a parade of returned men in conjunction with a parade arranged by the military authorities.

Christmas Gifts.—Again, on , Christmas Eve the R.S.A. Santa Claus, accompanied by your president, active vice-president and secretary, visited the homes of all children of deceased soldiers and Santa Claus handed to each child a parcel containing a Christmas gift, fruits, sweets, etc. Y'our committee regards this as one of the most important functions of the association and it is a pleasure to know that through its action cheer has been brought to a very large number of those children not so fortunately placed as others who lost their breadwinners in the Great War. Parcels were also posted to the country children. In connection with our Christmas gifts work we wish to especially thank the lady members of the Red Cross Society who so generously helped in labour and kind. Sub-associations.—ln conformity with a motion passed at last annual general meeting sub-associations have been formed at Edendale, Riverton and Tuataperc. It is yet too early to know how these sub-associa-tions will function, but we expect good results and trust their formation will be in the interests of the returned men in the respective districts. Reunions. —During the year a very successful and enjoyable reunion was held. This took the form of a dinner, and although onlj’ about 60 members attended, it was conceded by all that it was one of the mast enjoyable functions staged by the association. Representatives of your association attended reunions at Gore and Tuatapere and reported an extremely cordial welcome in each instance. Departure.—During the year the association lost the valued services of one of its most active members in the person of Mr Robert McPherson, who removed to Christchurch to take up a responsible position. We can ill-afford his loss, but we congratulate him on his advancement and feel sure his energy and interest in R.S.A. matters will be maintained in his new sphere of labour. Thanks.—ln conclusion, your committee wishes to express its very deep appreciation of the generous assistance given by the members of the Red Cross Society, War Funds Association, municipal authorities, medical profession, hospital staff, military authorities, bands, Poppy and Anzac Day assistants, those who so kindly supplied reading matter for our soldier patients, and also the Press for the manner they have at all times given publicity to our activities. We have every confidence that the work your association is doing on behalf of returned men will justify a continuance of their-appreciated support. Committee Meetings.—During the past year your committee met on 20 occasions, every member being present at each meeting. -