THE R.S.A.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5603, 9 April 1943, Page 2

THE R.S.A.

ANNUAL MEETING HELD LARGE ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS There was a record attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Te Awamutu Returned Services Association held in the Town Hall on Wednesday night, country districts being well represented. Mr C. O. Edmonds presided and remarked that the good attendance and interest shown augured well* for the future of the Association, which would have many important matters to deal with. He was pleased* to see so many members of the Second N.Z.E.F. present and he extended to them a special welcome. He also welcomed Mr F. J. Armstrong, who was president of the Association from 1925 to 1930. Mr Edmonds thanked the executive and members for the loyal support accorded him during the year. Prior to the commencement of the meeting stood in silence as a tribute to the memory of comrades who had died since last annual meeting. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs Angus, Skerman, Wyllie and K. Rickit. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Officers were elected as follows: — President, Mr Brian Malone; vicepresidents, Messrs C. O. Edmonds, S. H. Wanklyn and R. Wynyard; executive, Messrs N. V. Marshall, S. Smith, A. A. Quinn, V. J. Pryor, J. J. Bailey, T. W. Gee and F. H. Moore; secretary, Mr H. S. Weightman; treasurer, Mr W. J. Turner; hon. auditor, Mr H. C. Date.

District representatives: Ohaupo, Messrs McWhannell and E . G. F. Marsden; Puahue, Mr F. Morris; Arohena, Mr A. E. Weal; Hairini, Mr G. W. Johnson; Ngahape, Mr W. McGill; Pirongia, Mr V. Rastrick (Second N.Z.E.F.); Wharepuhunga, Mr F. Gooder; Te Kawa, Mr R. Mexted; Tokanui Crossroads, Mr A. S. Wyllie; Korokonui, Mr R. Erskine; Paterangi, Mr H. J. Webber; Pokuru, Mr D. R. McLeay; Parawera, Mr R. Godfree; Kawhia, Mr J. Culley.

Appreciative reference to the work of the retiring president, Mr C. OEdmonds, who did not seek re-elec-tion, was made by members, it being stated that the flourishing state of the Association was due in no small measure to his work as president over the past four *years. It was recommended that he be elected a life member. Appreciation of the services of the secretary, Mr H. S. Weightman, the treasurer, Mr W. J. Turner, and the executive committee was expressed. In thanking members for electing him president, Mr Malone said he was fully conscious of the work ahead, but with the co-operation of members he felt that the Association could do much for returned and returning servicemen and, women. FINANCIAL The balance-sheet, which was adopted, showed a surplus of £304 3s sd, with liabilities nil. The treasurer, Mr W. J. Turner, was complimented cn the sound financial position disclosed. GENERAL. The treatment meted out to two soldiers’ wives by the Soldiers’ Finance Assistance Board was the subject of some discussion at the meeting, the case being cited of a soldier’s wife who had been receiving 5s a week to help pay instalments on a State Advances loan. To supplement the meagre allowance from her husband overseas, the woman, it was stated, went to work, when she was deprived of the 5s weekly allowance and asked to make a refund of £2 Bs. In another case the wife of a soldier serving overseas made application for assistance to keep her husband’s insurance premiums paid, the application being declined, the Board suggesting that her financial position would be assisted if her husband increased the amount of his allotment to her from his military pay. It was stated that the soldier’s military pay, after the present allotment was paid, remained at 2s a day. The cases were referred to the committe for further investigation and action.

The sparse attendance of members at local farewell functions to servicemen going overseas was commented upon by Mr Mackenzie. As a South African and last war “digger” he said he knew how these farewells were appreciated by the boys, and he urged members of the Association to make a point of attending such gatherings.

Mr R. P. Robinson, chairman of the Kihikihi Town Board, invited Association members to attend the Anzac Service at Kihikihi on 25th April. Mr Edmonds advised that no decision had been reached with the Cemetery Board regarding the setting aside of an area in the Te Awamutu Cemetery for soldiers’ burial plots. The annual re-union will be held at the Town Hall on Wednesday next, when Mr H. T. Haselden will be the guest of honour..

The newly-elected president of the Association, Mr Brian Malone, has been actively interested in the affairs of returned men since his own return from the last war, being secretary of the Hamilton and Hastings branches of the R.S.A. He has been honorary solicitor to the Te Awamutu Association for the past two years. A son of Colonel W. G. Malone, who was killed on Gallipoli, Mr Malone was educated at St. Patrick’s College, and commenced the practice of his profession in 1924. His experience of soldiering, and his wide legal knowledge, will enable him to grapple with the many problems likely to confront R.S.A. executives.