WORK IN EARLY DAYS

Southland Times, Issue 23841, 12 June 1939, Page 2

WORK IN EARLY DAYS

ASSOCIATION FORMED IN 1930 ATTENTION TO WELFARE OF SOLDIERS On November 7, 1930, a number of men who had served during the Great War met to discuss the formation of an association which would take care of the interests of returned soldiers, and also preserve the spirit of comradeship among them. In other towns and cities there were such organizations, and it was considered that a sub-association of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association should be formed. The meeting at which the branch had its inception was well. attended, and visitors from the Invercargill Association included Messrs R. Lepper, J. McIntosh, J. Roderique and S. McDougall, who explained the functions of the organization and gave advice on the formation of a sub-association in Bluff. On the motion of Mr P. Young, seconded by Mr W. H. Lowe, it was decided that ’a sub-association be formed. Mr N. W. McGorlick was appointed chairman and Mr D. McKenzie secretary. The executive included Messrs R. N. Porter, T. Finnerty, W. H. Lowe, G. Johnston and P. Young. At the first executive meeting held on November 19, Mr Johnston was elected vice-president and Mr Porter was made treasurer, a position which he has held ever since. A resume of the general working of the association was given at the first general meeting in December of that year by Mr John-Tait, of Invercargill. With the Dominion then in the depression. unemployment was a serious problem and a scheme was discussed which would give employment to returned men out of work at the port. The first annual reunion was held in the Eagle Hotel and took the form of a dinner. This was followed by a social function in the Athenaeum hall. From then onwards the sub-associa-tion made good progress and the membership steadily increased. On Poppy Day in 1931 the sales amounted to 600. WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED At a meeting in July 1931 it was announced that arrangements had been made, in conjunction with the Bluff Harbour Board and the Bluff Borough Council, to provide subsidized work for unemployed returned men. The ordinary rate of 12/6 a day was increased to 14/-, the local bodies providing .7/9 and the sub-association finding 6/3. Later that year the sub-association gave the sum of £BO/12/1 to the Bluff Harbour Board as its contribution to the unemployment fund. Strong exception was taken at the annual meeting on April 14, 1932, to the Government’s action in reducing the soldiers’ pension, and a strongly-worded resolution was passed. In July 1935 the sub-association gave £25 for improvements by the Borough Council to the War Memorial at the foot of Burrows street. Today, the memorial stands in neat and well-kept surroundings, and the general appearance has been favourably commented on at recent meetings. PARADE OF RETURNED SOLDIERS The opening of the new club rooms was preceded by a parade of returned soldiers. More than 100 men, ■ including members of branches in Invercargill, Stewart Island and country districts, as well as several veterans of the South African War, marched from the Drill Hall to the club roonjs headed by the Battalion Band. The parade was led by Mr S. G. Mitchell. After the ceremony the visitors and officials were entertained at afternoon tea at the Club Hotel. The social evening in Barber’s Hall was attended by a big number of returned soldiers and their wives and friends. Dancing and community singing were held. Mr E. McKenzie was master of ceremonies and the music was supplied by Mr N. Bradshaw.