EX-SOLDIERS MEET

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1935, Page 2

EX-SOLDIERS MEET

OPUNAKE BRANCH OF R.S.A. REPORT ON YEAR’S ACTIVITIES.,. The annual meeting of the .Oppnake branch of the R.S.A. was held on Fiiday night. About 40 members were present. The president, Dr. T. N. Watt, welcomed the members present and the vice-president, Mr. J. S. Tosland, presided. Dr. Watt in his report stated the committee held twelve meetings during the year, Mr. J. S. Tosland was elected chairman. A critical stage, it was said, had been reached in the history of the R.S.A. An increasing number of diggers was breaking down in health and the difficulties of proving their disabilities as the result of war services were much greater. Many members were in distressing circumstances owing to the slump and were worthy of assistance. Those considerations entailed much extra work on the part of the committee. The membership showed an increase, there being 72 on the roll. The number of unemployed ex-servicemen had not decreased. Work to the extent of one day a week has been distributed where possible. Assistance to men passing through was also given. After many years’ endeavour the New Plymouth and the Taranaki R.S.A. had received the controlling of the Taranaki war funds. The 1934 sales and marts brought in the sum of £4O 5s lid for the poppy fund. During the winter the executive held social evenings and a reunion evening, which proved a social

success. The financial statement showed a credit balance from all funds of £64.

The chairman in a verbal report covered the same ground as the president s report, adding that the returned men should stand together in giving every assistance to those soldiers in distressed circumstances. As a collective unit, they were a body of influence. He mentioned that last year they had an informal talk -.with the Rahotu men regarding holding an Anzac service at Opunake in the afternoon instead of in the morning, but Rahotu was not prepared to alter its time of service. He mentioned the secretary’s excellent services and the good work of the members of the committee and social committees.

Mr. Goodin mentioned that the Rahotu returned men were under the impression that Opunake was governed from Hawera. He recognised Opunake was the coastal centre and was better acquainted with their requirements than in the town. The Opunake branch was a separate branch, said the secretary. Officers elected were: President, Dr. T. N. Watt; vice-president, Mr. J. S. Tosland; secretary, Mr. A. Elgar; hon. solicitor and auditor, Mr. McLean; committee, Messrs. Reardon, Mathie, Clare, Hewson, Des Forges and Fraser.

In reply to the Rev. Woods’ invitation the meeting decided to hold a special church service at an early date. A reunion evening was agreed to, the date to be arranged by the committee. Thanks were accorded the Women s Division, Women's Institute, Mrs. Watt and girl guides, Mr. W. D. Richards (pianist) and those who assisted at the social evenings. An honorarium of £lO was voted the secretary for his services.

At the conclusion of the meeting a social evening was held.