RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 584, 23 December 1915, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

AN ASSOCIATION FORMED.

About 30 returned soldiers met last evening to discuss the proposed constitution of the Eeturned Soldiers.' Association. Private J. Erwin presided, and Mr George Harper attended in an advisory capacity. The meeting defined the object of the association as ''the organisation of returned soldiers for the purpose of conserving their interests and those of their dependents. '' It was agreed that the membership should consist only of "returned overseas soldiers of good character," the committee to have power to call on any member for an answer to any charge' of misconduct brought against him by any other member, and to expel him if the charge is held to be proved, the member so dealt with to have the right of appeal to a general meeting of the association. Officers were elected as follow: Honorary life president, Captain Donald Simson; president, Colonel E. H. Ehodes; vice-presidents, Privates J. Erwin and F. E. Isherwood; honorary secretary, Trooper N. B. McCallum"; honorary treasurer, Private A. Sharpe; committee, Sergeants Cotton and Macfarlane, Corporal Macleod and Troopers Atkinson, Faulkes, and Privates Sycamore, Tozer, Bailey, Sawtell, Munro, Graham, and Harland. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr G. Harper for his offer to assist the association in a legal capacity, and to the chairman.

PICNIC AT ASHLEY GORGE. A meeting of the various patriotic organisations in Eangiora was held last evening to make arrangements for providing afternoon tea .to the returned soldiers who are to b6 entertained by the Canterbury Automobile Association at a picnic at Ashley Gorge on Sunday, January 16. Luncheon will be provided at the Gorge by the Oxford people. The Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings), who presided, said he thought that about 500 returned soldiers would be present, -in addition to drivers of the cars and other visitors. Several people thought that the picnic should have been arranged for a Saturday.

It was resolved to write to the Automobile Association, stating that the residents of Eangiora would provide the afternoon tea, and would suggest, if not too late, that the picnic be held on January 15.

Victoria Square was decided upon as the most suitable place for the function, and it was resolved to ask the Eangiora Brass Band to provide music.