R. S. A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20441, 11 June 1936, Page 6

R. S. A.

SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH MEETING OF EXECUTIVE The first meeting f the new executive of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association was held on Tuesday evening, there being present the Rev. J. Milburn Stewart (in the chair), Messrs J. G. Duncan, W. Bignell, S. Shears, R. J. Esler, C. H. S. Johnstone, A. M. Parker, G. J. Walker. W. Hocking, J. J. Duncan, C. Howe, B. Howell, W. Seward, Dr. F. F. A Ulrich, and the secretary, Mr S. D. Mason. The chairman briefly addressed the meeting and congratulated the members on their election. In particular he welcomed Messrs J. J. Duncan and W. Bignell, who were entering upon their first year’s sendee on the committee, and expressed a hope that a successful year’s work would be achieved. From information obtained from the postal authorities it was learned that Timaru occupied eighth place in the sale of Anzac stamps throughout the Dominion. Settlement Act A letter received from headquarters advised that representatives of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers Association had met Ministers of the Crown and ascertained that operations under the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act were to be transferred to the Mortgage Corporation in the very near future. The Government, which is to control the Mortgage Corporation, was thoroughly cognisant of the necessity for the continuation of the humane administration of the affairs of soldier settlers. In accordance with the policy of the Government, the aim, Insofar as the soldiers in farming .-.re concerned, is to be (1) the competence of the farmer, (2) a fair standard of living for the whole family, (2) the reconciliation of all the other factors relative to the property concerned. Branch Reports Mr Johnstone, reporting on behalf ■of the St. Andrews branch, stated that a most successful reunion was held subsequqent to the annual meeting of the branch. He was instructed to refer to this meeting two matters which it was claimed were due' for consideration by the executive. These concerned the delay consequent upon the infrequent sittings of the Pensions Appeal Board, and the fact that the form upon which application for war veterans’ allowances had to be made ■was so drawn up as not to cover in full the financial liabilities of the applicants. The secretary advised that one Appeal Board had to cover the whole of the Dominion and could only visit the various centres two or three times a year. In regard to the form for making application for a war veteran’s allowance this could be amplified with a full statement of the applicant’s affairs.

Mr Esler stated that the annual meeting of the Pleasant Point branch was held last Saturday evening and that its reunion was fixed for next week.

Mr Howell stated that very inclement weather had debarred many living at a distance from attending the Mackenzie branch reunion. At present his district had 10 unemployed ex-servicemen and a membership of about 100 per cent. Mr Seward extended an invitation to members to attend the reunion of the Milford branch next Saturday. He reported that this year’s poppy sales in his district were above the average. General Mr Howe reported that hospital visiting had been regularly carried out during the month. The number of exsoldiers receiving treatment had been 14, there being four inmates, all doing well, at the present time. The meeting discussed at length what social activities might, with advantage, be undertaken throughout the year and a committee was appointed to consider those suggested. Consideration of remits for the annual conference to be held in Wellington from June 17 to 19 was given by the meeting, which appointed the chairman and secretary as delegates. Mr Esler suggested that an endeavour be made to introduce into this district a cash purchase system similar to that in vogue for returned men in Dunedin and other centres. A committee was appointed to follow up the proposal. The chairman was nominated as vice-president of the New Zealand Association, representing Canterbury and Westland.

It was decided to hold the reunion of members on June 27.