R. S. A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20667, 4 March 1937, Page 4

R. S. A.

SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association was held on Tuesday evening. The Rev. J. Milburn Stewart was in the chair and Messrs J. G. Duncan, C. Howe, F. H. Davey, W. Blgnell, W. Hocking, S. Shears, G. J. Walker, R. J. Esler, B. Howell, A. M. Parker, Dr. F. F. A. Ulrich and the secretary (Mr S. D. Mason) attended. The chairman commented on the large number of applications for inclusion in the Coronation contingent that had gone forward from this district, and expressed regret that none had been successful. He considered it a matter' for congratulation, however, that an honorary member of the Association, Sister F. A. Adams, had been chosen for inclusion. It was explained that all nurses with overseas military service were honorary members of the N.Z.R.S.A.. and as such were entitled t< wear the badge of honorary membership. The meeting decided to present a badge to Sister Adams before her departure. A circular from headquarters showed Timaru occupying sixth place In the Dominion membership ladder with a paid membership of 780 as against 638 at the corresponding period of last year.

Reporting on behalf of the soldier patients in the Tiinaru Public Hospital, Mr Howe stated that regular weekly visits had been carried out. There had been a total of 38 inmates during the month. Ten were at present being treated and showing satisfactory improvement. It was with regret that he had to report the death of one member. To facilitate the -”ork of the secretary in regard to the making of funeral arrangements he recommended that a request be made to the superintendent of the hospital for immediate notification of the death of soldier inmates. The recommendation was adopted. Branch Reports On behalf of the Mackenzie branch, Mr Howell stated that at present there were no unemployed. Mr Esler reported on the resignation of Dr. Benham as president of the Pleasant Point Branch and the election of Mr F. Friel as the new president. Mr S. C. Gibb had been appointed to fill the vacancy on the executive. Mr Esler conveyed from his branch a request that the South Canterbury Association again consider the question of the inauguration of a cash purchase system in South Canterbury. It was explained that previous attempts had proved abortive In that business houses and tradespeople were unwilling to grant the necessary concessions.

The Pleasant Point branch was req isted by the meeting to secure further information relative to tw’o applicants for pensions in the branch’s district.