OPUNAKE R.S.A. BRANCH

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1934, Page 2

OPUNAKE R.S.A. BRANCH

THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD. RELIEF OF NEEDY SOLDIERS. The annual meeting' of the Opunake branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association waS held on- Wednesday, evening. Dr. T. N. Watt presided Over a large attendance. • The Secretary (Mr. - Algar) read the balance-sheet, which showed a substantial credit balance. The second annual report stated the membership lia-d doubled. The credit balance was very satisfactory and would help the incoming executive to look for-, ward-fo another successful year. At the first meeting of the executive Mr. J. S. Tosland was elected chairman. The executive regretted having to. report the resignation of Mr. R. Julian. The period had been a fairly busy one for the executive. Relief of distress necessitated through unemployment amofig ex-ser-Vicemen in furtherance Of claims for pensions on behalf of men who were breaking down in health as the result of that service had been among the major items calling for attention. : Last year was the first year in controlling poppy sales in the district, and the response Was very gratifying. Thesales totalled-£l9 3s 3d. The thanks of the association were due to the ladies for their effort and to the Cook boys at Pihama for -their good Sales. The association was responsible for the first Ahzac parade and service held at Opunake, and. the high standard achieved told its Own story. During the winter months -twOi Social evenings called “A Night at the Front” were held and proved a success financially and socially. The work of the executive- in helping unemployed returned men and cases of distress demonstrated impressively the need for a strong Organisation aiid a revival of interest in the R.S.A. ■ ■The president in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet said this yedr the Women’s Division would control the sale Of poppies in the country and the Women’s Institute in the town. . Mr. Tosland Seconded the motion. He complimented the executive and secretary on their good work. He emphasised the need for returned men to “stick together” as unfortunately the relief of distressed comrades was still a need with them.- The amounts received from the canteen funds and War Council funds Were very helpful. Mr. Tindle stated With reference to the sale of poppies that the by-roads in the country had ndt been canvassed. The secretary gave a statement Of the number of poppies sent to the district mentioned •by Mr. Tindle and the small nicicliS* * The election of Officers resulted:' President, Dr. T. N. Watt; vice-president, Mr. J. S. TOsland; honorary solicitor, Mr. C. O; Edmbnds; auditor, Mr. C. O. Edmonds; committee, Messrs. A. Elgar, J. Hewson, J. •S. Hickey, D. Reardon, R. Bowman, C. Clare and C. Dudley, A vote of appreciation and a bonus Of £6 6s Was given the secretary. It was decided to hold a social reunion at an early date and that all profits should go to the association.