Gore THE RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 11

Gore THE RETURNED SOLDIERS

ANNUAL REPORT OF ASSOCIATION The annual report of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association states: “During the year Mr L. Roberts resigned from the copimittee because of his being transferred on promotion to Christchurch, and his place on the committee was filled by Mr J. McQueen. The committee regrets to report that during the past year death claimed a number of members. On all occasions the association was represented at their respective funerals and the R.S.A. burial service was read at the graveside. Thanks are due to Mr W. J. Stevens for his services as bugler at ex-soldiers’ funerals. While the improved economic conditions have lightened, to some extent, the work of the committee in cases of distress amongst ex-soldiers, it is regretted that there are still a number of cases requiring attention. Once more the association wishes to record its sincere thanks to Mr Anonymous for his continued generous donations towards the relief funds. Without the aid of this benefactor the committee could not have rendered such substantial help in the cases brought before it. Once again the members rallied in force for the memorial service to their departed comrades. The members paid their respects by a visit to the local cemetery in the forenoon and in the afternoon . they were joined by a large congregation at the annual service in the theatre, which was presided over by Major A. L. McDowell. The Rev. Frazer Barton gave an appropriate address, which was much appreciated. The thanks of the R.S.A. are extended to all who assisted on Anzac Day and to the public for its support. Thanks are also due to the proprietors of the Regent Theatre for the use of the theatre. The response to the annual Poppy Day appeal was very heartening, the sum of £lBO 12/being contributed by the public. The R.S.A. is indebted to all collectors in Gore and outlying _ districts. The thanks of the association are due to Mr J. Tait, of Invercargill, for conducting the appeal cases which, have been sponsored by the association. War graves’ in the local cemetery have received the attention of the committee during the year. Appropriate crosses have been erected on e&ch unmarked grave, and a scheme for providing permanent concrete kerbing at the soldiers’ plot is to be carried out. The financial members’ figures for the year 1936-37 reached the record total of 575. This is the highest number of financial members recorded in the history of the association. Once again the association has to record its appreciation to its sub-associations, Mataura and West Otago, for the splendid work they have carried out during the year. Both the sub-associations show an increase in membership. The disastrous fire which gutted the Soldiers Club rooms last year occasioned much anxiety to the association by the loss of valuable records and data. The executive regrets to report that much of the property lost cannot be replaced. OBITUARY The death occurred at Dunedin yes- ( terday of Mr Henry George Ehn Clifford, of Rock street, East Gore, aged 62 years. Mr Clifford was bom at Clinton and later moved to Gore, where he joined the staff of the Post Office. He was promoted to postmaster at Mercer (Auckland) and later served in the Tapanui and Dwaka offices. , About five years ago Mr Clifford retired on superannuation and has lived in East Gore ever since. He was a keen student of English literature and a lover of nature in every form, being a valued member of the Gore Garden Club. He is survived by his widow.