SECRETARIES AND OLD MEMBERS

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 2

SECRETARIES AND OLD MEMBERS

Of the branch secretaries the record for length of service is held by Mr M. Thomas, who was secretary for 21 years, from 1894 till 1915. Mr Thomas was tendered a social by the branch in 1913 to commemorate the completion' of 20 years’ service as secretary. The first secretary was Mr G. B. Patterson, who served for five years, and the present secretary, Mr M. W. Grantham, who took over in 1935, has already done a great deal of valuable work for his branch. With the growth of the branch so has the secretary’s work increased, and the average number of letters sent out by the secretary from the Invercargill headquarters is about 500 a year. The following is a list of secretaries of the Invercargill branch: Messrs G. B. Patterson, 1889-1894; M. Thomas, 1894-1915; T. Clark, 1915-21; A. Martin, 192130; G. T. Robertson, 1930-35; M. W. Grantham, 1935-. One of the oldest members of the branch is Mr F. Hutchins, who as far back as 1916 was tendered a social in recognition of his services to the society. Mr Hutchins is the only member of the branch who has held the office of vice-president on the executive council. There is not sufficient voting power among the members in Southland to gain representation on the council in a presidential capacity. Mr Hutchins was an executive councillor from 1908 to 1916 and vice-president from 1908 to 1910. He was also chairman of the branch in 1907.

Other veteran members of the branch are Mr T. Ritchie, who lives at Grassmere, and Mr W. Hartle, of Crinan street.