RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 22013, 12 May 1933, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS

GORE ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. At the first meeting of the recently elected executive of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association on Tuesday evening there were present: Messrs T. Fyfe (president in the chair), M. Green, J. Robertson, L. Roberts, R. B. Bannerman, W. D. Shelton, P. R. Stewart, E. J. Columb, A. H. W. Aitken, J. McDonald, S. Peterson, F. M. Murray, C. M. Wilson and G. L. Gerken (secretary) - , , The president extended a welcome to the executive and to Mr Green and on his motion a minute of appreciation of the services of Mr A. C. Steel was recorded.

The hospital visiting sub-committee reported on its visits to the sick members during its term of duty, which on this occasion extended over a period of three weeks. On the first Sunday one ex-soldier was visited at the hospital and one at his home. On the second and third Sundays three were visited at the hospital and one at his home. Visits were also paid to Mr A. H. Aitken at his home. The committee was thanked for its report, and Messrs Murray and McDonald were appointed a visiting committee for the next term. Three new members were elected to the association. Notice of the transfer to Gore of Mr H. Sturgess was received from the secretary of the Christchurch Association. The headmaster of the Knapciale School wrote on behalf of the staff and pupils appreciating the visit to the school by representatives of the Gore R.S.A. on the day previous to Anzac Day. The writer also stated that the Anzac Day message which Mr McQuillan gave to the scholars should be an inspiration to them. Mr R. J. Hay, Tapanui, wrote on behalf of the returned soldiers of that district returning thanks for the interest taken in securing a speaker for the Tapanui service on Anzac Day. The writer also stated that the address given my Mr McQuillan was deeply appreciated.

The secretary of the Invercargill Association wrote stating that he had been directed by his executive to ascertain if the Gore executive would support the nomination of Mr John Tait as district vice-president for Otago and Southland. It was decided to support the nomination.

'lhe general secretary forwarded the financial membership ladder of all New Zealand associations at the close of the financial year, March 31. Gore occupied eighth position with 430 financial members. The total New Zealand membership was 18,609, as compared with 12,765 last year, an increase of

45.78 per cent. The North Island won the inter-island competition with 52 associations and 10,435 members, as against the South Island’s 19 associations and 8174 members. The matter of a drive for donations of meat and produce to aid the unemployed was raised and after considerable discussion was left. in the hands of a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Aitken, Shelton, Bannerman and Middlemiss to report to next meeting. The item in the Southland War Funds Association’s annual reporj;. to the effect that “grants were again made to R.S.A’s. to assist with their Christmas parcels, but it is not considered that revival of the previous system should be considered” created considerable discussion, and it was decided to instruct the representatives of that body to request that the Christmas cheer grants be continued. The secretary was instructed to write letters of thanks to the following who had assisted with the Anzac Day services: Padre Herron (Dunedin), Mr H. Hillsden Hutton and his choir, the manager and staff of the Regent Theatre, Gore Brass and Pipe Bands, territorial volunteers, High School cadets, boy scouts, rangers and girl, guides in connection with the Gore service; Miss K. Johnston and Mr N. Hamilton in connection with the Riversdale service.