R. S. A.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10938, 11 May 1926, Page 4

R. S. A.

TEMUKA BRANCH. ANNUAL MEETING. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the president, Mr D. White, said the two years during which he had been president, had not been brilliant years, the members themselves not taking the interest in the association that they might have done. In looking over the books some time ago, he could see a falling off for some time. During the last two years they had 106 members, who still maintained their faith in the association. Had all the members stuck to the association there would be no need to talk of deficits. The association was still as financially sound as it was two years ago, and when they considered other and larger associations had taken up positions in which they hacli closed their rooms and stopped their expenditure, he thought it to the credit of Temuka that, they had kept the rooms open. (Applause). He felt proud that the association, though small in numbers, was still able to carry on. (Applause). Part of the loss was due to the depreciation written off their property. This 'year they had again written 10 per cent, off their assets, but it didn’t follow, if the assets were placed on the market, they wouldi not realise a higher price than they put on them. The membership stood at 105, and even at the present moment there are one or two joining members, which was something to say even for their small association. The billiard and club rooms had been used fairly well, but if it did not bring in more than the past year it was the fault of the members themselves, for they were there for their use. He thanked those present for faithfully sticking to Auzac Day and Poppy Day. He appreciated Hie members .turning out as they did on Auzac Day. Last Anzac Day they had three services —at the Anglican Church, at the Domain, and at the Methodist Church. It showed there was a very sound feeling in the association. He also expressed special appreciation to the Pipe Band for turning out twice on Anzac Day. (Applause). As regards Poppy Day, Temuka was not behind for their numbers to other towns in the Dominion. Poppy Day bad been arranged for giving relief 1 for unemployment or any other cause should any deserving person need it. The secretary had put in a lot of time over the wood cutting scheme last year, for which Poppy Day funds were Utilised. With wages and selling the timber, they came out about square. If faced’ with the same position again, they would be able to utilise the funds once more. He took the opportunity of thanking those who had given papers. He bad very much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report and bal-ance-sheet.

At 'this 1 juncture Mr 'Ernest Twomey addressed the president, saying it had been suggested as he came into the meeting that he was not a memiber. Mr White: Did; you not send in your resignation? Mr Twomey: Yes. Mr White: Then you are not a member. Mr Twomey: I’ve been propoised and seconded since. How do I stand? ! Mr White: You are not a member. We are very pleased to see you here, and you may eit at the table and join us, but you have no say in the business. We will get on with the business of the balancesheet before us. Mr Maze seconded the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which was carried unanimously. Before vacating the chair, Ml! White said he had done his best during the past two years to further the interests of the association. He was disappointed at the membership falling off, .but it was the same throughout New Zealand. The Temuka association had 1 held together well. He had been on exceedingly good terms with everyone in the association, and he thanked the executive for the interest they had taken in their work. He was very pleased to know the association was in as good a position as any association in New Zealand. He had battled very hard last year, and was glad, to know the association had held together, and he hoped the now president and committee would keep the association together. His term as president had been two years of service of love, and he had done his very best. “To err is human,” quoted Mr White, and if he had failed in some things he had made it up in others, and he could

not do any more. (Loud and) prolonged applause). The secretary then took the chair. ELECTION OF OFFICERS, On the motion of Messrs D. White and McGillen, Mr Jack Maze was elected president. Mr Maze, in accepting, returned thanks for the honour, and said he had certainly come in at a bad time. He hoped he would carry out his duties as well as Mr White had done. -He had served under him Cor two years-, and .Mr White had done his work conscientiously. He would do his best to give them all a fair hearing. (Applause).

Mr D. White was elected vicepresident, and Mr J. S. Lee reelected treasurer. In returning thanks, Mr Lee said they had had some heavy calls 1 on their finances, but fortunately they were in a better position than many other associations. It behoved' the members if they were to have better finances, to pay for their billiards. (Applause and laughter). ■A, ballot taken for the incoming committee resulted in the following being elected:—Messrs Oldfield, Joe ■ Macdonald, Paterson, Watson, Wilson, McGillen, Jim McDonald, J. Fisher and J. Quinn, THE CLUB ROOMS. The president, Mr Maze, saidi that there seemed to be diverse opinions as to whether they should carry on the club rooms, and he would like an expression of opinion. ,

Mr H. Wilson, seconded by Mr D. Andrews, moved that they carry on the club rooms. Mr Edgeler, seconded by Mr Kyne, moved as an amendment that the club rooms be closed. Mr Kyne asked for a secret ballot on the question, and Mr' Edgeler seconded, pointing out there was a bit of ill-feeling over the matter, and some mightn’t like to stand up and give their opinion before a crowd. On a show of hands, the motion for a secret ballot was lost, and it was decided to keep the club rooms open. This concluded the business of the meeting, and the usual annual smoke concert followed.