R.S.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21215, 9 December 1938, Page 7

R.S.A.

SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH MEETING OF EXECUTIVE The monthly meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers Association was held on Tuesday evening, there being present Messrs G. J. Walker (chairman), J. G. Duncan, E. D. Mcßae, C. H. Coxhead, D. B. Murchison, S. Shears, J. J. Duncan, A. M. Parker, R. J. Esler, Dr F. F. A. Ulrich and the secretary, Mr S. D. Mason. Mr Walker said that a short service had been held upon Armistice Day with a good representation of members of the association present. During the month the organisation had been represented at a meeting of citizens which decided on the formation of a local branch of the New Zealand Defence League, a number of R.S.A. members being elected as officers. Since the last meeting of the executive the annual golf tourney had been held. It had proved a decidedly popular and successful event. Reports On behalf of the Anzac Day subcommittee Mr Mcßae stated that the recommendations advocated the following of the same procedure for 1939 as was instituted last year, but that, with a view to obtaining more stage space, consideration be given to the holding of the service in the Theatre Royal instead of in the Majestic Theatre. The report also recommended that the Municipal Band and the Savage Club choir be asked to assist at the service; that for reasons of sentiment two army choruses be introduced into the programme and that an invitatiin be extended to Mr E. J. Anderson, of Dunedin, to deliver the address, the service to be presided over by the president of the association, Mr G. J. Walker.

After considering the report, which was adopted, the meeting referred to the sub-committee the matter of holding a concert on Anzac night and requested the submission of a further report embodying recommendations in this connection.

Hospital visiting was carried out throughout the month, reported Mr N. J. Dickinson. Ten men were in hospital at the end of October, six being admitted and six discharged in November. With the death of one patient after a long illness, nine remained under treatment.

Mr Esler stated that on Saturday evening the Pleasant Point branch was to hold a concert of artists from Ashburton. He added that the membership of this branch was only 18 short of last year’s total. A further report on the membership of the association as a whole stated that, provided the figures of the various country branches were maintained, last year’s total, which had been greater than for several preceding years would be at least equalled. Dr Ulrich, for the pensions committee, said that of the 14 cases pending at the submission of last month’s report, four had been successfully finalised, one had proved unsuccessful while the remainder were still under consideration. Six new cases had been handled during the month two of which were successful, the remainder being still pending. Reporteng on the outcome of the golf tournament Mr Coxhead stated that the eminent success attained on this and previous occasions, had established the event as an annual fixture. There were 100 entrants, drawn from places as far distant as Hororata and Dunedin. The fund showed a surplus of £2 19/- which, in view of the low entry charge and the entertainment provided, was very satisfactory. On the representation of the Association’s nominee on the Health Camp Committee, Mr O. B. Murchison, authority for the purchase of health stamps to the value of £l/1/- was approved. Further reports on the work of the Employment Committee and on the arrangements for the children’s Christmas party to be held to-morrow afternoon were submitted.

The meeting decided to draw the attention of the Department of Internal Affairs to the unsatisfactory state and growth of the hedge around the soldiers’ plot in the Timaru Cemetery, and to renew the request that a low concrete wall take the place of the hedge.