GERALDINE R.S.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20892, 23 November 1937, Page 4

GERALDINE R.S.A.

To the Editor or The Tlmaru Herald Sir—Could I claim some space a your paper to have matters in connection with returned soldiers in and around Geraldine brought to light? As a constant reader of your paper, I notice that Returned Soldiers' Associations all over New Zealand are making efforts for the provision of beds in local hospitals for returned soldiers, under a hospital scheme in line with schemes followed by the majority of friendly societies. Then again, a large number of associations arrange picnics or parties at Christmas time for members, their wives and families. These functions, I believe, are greatly appreciated by members and families at the present time. I notice that many associations are taking an intelligent interest in the proposed legislation in connection with soldier settlers, which has been sponsored by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers* Association to endeavour to make the lot of the soldier settlers somewhat brighter. Is the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association pulling their weight by helping other asociations to safeguard the interests of the local men, or are they just slumbering along with the lethargic calm that surely denotes unconcern for the real meaning of the word “association”? Sir, I may be mistaken. The local committee may be quite alive to their responsibilities and attending to all these matters. If so, I apologise for bringing the matter up. But, if not, I think it is high time they either take more active interest in matters of vital interest to returned soldiers generally, or hand up the reins to someone else to get going somewhere and do something.—l am, etc.,

LUX IN TENEBRIS. Geraldine, November 21.