EX-SERVICEMEN GATHER

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1928, Page 9

EX-SERVICEMEN GATHER

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION The annual meeting of the New Plymouth branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last night, when Captain F. L. Hartnell presided over about 25 members. The annual report stated that attendances had been good at the 15 meetings held during the year. Congratulations were due to the members of the executive for their interest and support. A host of applications for relief had been received and, to properly guard the funds, each case was fully inquired into. With regard to these relief activities, there had, following continued requests throughout New Zealand, been a sum of £265 voted from the canteen funds to the association. This, with £3lO from Poppy Day, enabled them to confidently meet the unemployment question. Never before had they had so many unemployed ex-soldiers on their books, and, in every deserving case they had been in a position to be able to help. Most of the money expended was subsidised and work was provided for over 100 men. Added to this, they had helped out necessitous cases by grants of groceries, rent and clothing to tide over bad times, and in many cases, fares had been paid to other parts of New Zealand for men who had work or homes to go to. Work had been found for men from Opunake to Mokau. Applications for pensions had been successfully sponsored by the association and assistance had been procured from th© National War Funds Council. If all ex-soldiers were fit nen, no association would be required, but few, even the apparently fit, knew how their wounds, gas or sickness were likely to affect them later on, and it was imperative that the association should be built up in order to be in a position to help those who required it. Again excellent results were shown in the Poppy Day returns. The thanks of the association are due to Mrs. H. Baily and her many workers for the amount of work put into the scheme, and the excellent result.

The parade on Anzae Day was most gratifying. It was with great pleasure that they found the attendance annually increasing. This year over 300 men were on parade. As for years past, they had been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Burgess at a ’.•eunion tea which had hitherto been held in the Victoria League rooms. Last year the rooms were overcrowded, and the function was this year held in St. Mary’s hall which was packed by “Diggers.” The thanks of the association on behalf of all ex-sol-diers was tendered to the hosts and to the artists and helpers who did so much to make the afternoon a success.

A cross of sacrifice, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Burgess, had been erected in the cemetery, and during the year was unveiled by Major General Young, Commandant of New Zealand Forces, at a most impressive and well attended service. The usual Armistice Day parade was held at tho cenotaph nd a wreath was placed thereon. The parade was largely attended. Tho club had been carried on for six months past by the Old Boys’ Association, and* they were confident they could make a success of it. The association was indebted to Arch-

deacon Evans, Mr. A. A. Newell and the Okato Patriotic Funds Committee for donations.

The membership of the assoiation had dropped considerably, and a drive fpr new members was arranged, resulting in an increase of 50 members. Even at

that figure the membership was far too low. A strong association was needed, more now than ever, and this fact should be realised by every returned man. The stronger they were the more weight they would carry in their requests for the “digger” who was down and wanted help. As in other years, a number of comrades whose health had been affected by war service had passed from their midst. The sympathy of the association had been extended to the sorrowing relatives, and floral emblems had also been forwarded.

The balance sheet showed a debit of £23 9s on the year’s work. However, this included £22 14s which had been reserved for funeral expenses and which would be refunded by the Pensions Department. This left a debit of 15s. Officers for the year were elected as follow: Patron, Mr. C. H. Burgess; president, Captain F. Hartnell; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. J. R. Scents and S. Higgs; treasurer, Mr. H. N. Johnson; committee, Messrs. J. Thomas, N. Hill, R. G. Moverley, F. Price, T. Hopkins, C. H. Croker and Dr. P. C. Davie; secretary, Mr. E. J. Carr; auditor, Mr. Vai Duff; honorary chaplain, Archdeacon F. G. Evans.

It was recommenced that matters pertaining to the management of the club be referred to the executive. The treasurer was voted the usual honorarium of £5 ss. Votes of thanks were accorded the cratcroimr .officers siwl tile Press,