RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 22913, 11 June 1936, Page 8

RETURNED SOLDIERS

INVERCARGILL ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. The three-weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Invercargill Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the club rooms. Mr A. Kynaston (president), occupied the chair, and the following members attended: Messrs J. Roderique, H. Fraser, W. Drake, E. Wright, S. Richards, H. Crawford, W. R. Mabson, W. Stone, H. Mackenzie, and J. S. Filippini (secretary). A circular letter was received from the general secretary, Wellington, advising that representatives of the Dominion headquarters of the New Zealand R.S.A. had met Ministers of the Crown and had ascertained that the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act was to be transferred to the State Advances Corporation, in the near future. A definite assurance had been given that the Government, which was to control the Corporation, was thoroughly cognizant of the necessity for the continuation of the very humane and interested administration of the affairs of soldier settlers. In accordance with the policy of the Government the aim, in so far as the soldiers in farming were concerned, was to be, first, the competence of the farmer; secondly, a fair standard of living for the whole family; and thirdly, the reconciliation of all the other factors relevant to the property concerned. Letters were received from the Riverton and Otautau sub-associations stating that in view of the fact that there was considerable discussion throughout the Dominion about the alteration of Anzac Day observance, the members of those sub-associations strongly protested against any alteration being made. The delegates to the annual conference were instructed to record their votes against any alteration being made in the observance of Anzac Day. The following were deputed to represent the Invercargill R.S.A. at the forthcoming sub-associations’ annual reunions: Winton, Mr J. Roderique; Ohai, Mr W. R. Mabson; Bluff, Mr H. Mackenzie; Orepuki, Mr H. Fraser. The secretary reported that the War Pensions Appeal Board had completed its sitting in Dunedin, and the final results were very gratifying. A total of 30 cases went forward, for which Mr John Tait acted as advocate. Of these 18 were successful in having their claims established; three were adjourned for hospital investigation, and nine were dismissed. The hospital visiting committee reported having paid weekly visits to exservicemen patients in the Southland Hospital; all appeared to be progressing satisfactorily. Messrs H. Mackenzie and H. Fraser were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing term. The social committee reported that the billiards and snooker competitions were now in full swing, and there were large entries for both competitions. A flag 500 tournament would be held in the club rooms on Saturday evening. The Miniature Rifle Club committee reported that members were patronizing the rifle range in large numbers, and some excellent shooting was being witnessed. A motion was carried granting Mr H. Ritchie leave of absence on account of illness, and the secretary was instructed to write wishing him a speedy recovery.