GERALDINE PATRIOTIC FUND

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22831, 2 March 1944, Page 3

GERALDINE PATRIOTIC FUND

District Collection Supervisors Appointed A special sub-committee to supervise patriotic collections in the Geraldine Central area was appointed at a meeting of the Geraldine-Raukapuka-Downs Patriotic Committee. It will comprise Messrs P. H. Davis, W. C. Crotty, J. C. Templer, Canon A. H. Norris, the treasurer (Mr F. W. Bean) and the secretary (Mr W. H. Norton). The Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie), who has been chairman of the committee for the last four years, intimated that for health reasons he wished to retire from the position. He wished to thank all members for the loyal support they had given him during his term in office. He believed that the appointment of a special sub-com-mittee to supervise collections would lighten the burden for the new chairman.

Appreciation of the work performed by the retiring chairman was expressed by Messrs P. G. Withers, A. A. Readdie. A. J. Kennedy, E. Undrill, P. H. Davis and Mrs P. W. Hislop. Mr P. H. Davis was appointed chairman and Mr W. C. Crotty, deputychairman.

The question of canvassing business houses as well as homes was raised and referred to the special sub-com-mittee, which will meet immediately to put this years collections under way.

Defence Association A sub-branch of the New Zealand Defence Services’ Association was formed at a meeting convened by the Geraldine Returned Services’ Association. The president of the R.S.A. (Dr L. C. Mail) introduced Mr H. B. Timmings, president of the South Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Defence Services’ Association who outlined the work of the association. Officers elected were: President, Mr S. King; vice-president. Mr W. W. Davies; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. S. Stringer; committee, Messrs H. J. Wilson, W. O’Brien, F. Kelly, E. Rooke. C. Smith, A. Vincent, G. Denley, W. Willougby, R. Wilks and N. Hobbs. It was agreed at a later meeting of the committee to organise a competition to raise funds. Tire desirability of holding social functions was discussed, and held over. The vice-president, secretary and Mr Denley were elected delegates at the next meeting of the South Canterbury branch at Timaru. War Savings The National War Savings quota has again been overscribed, £lBO being invested last week. The weekly quota is £134. “We are very pleased with the way the people of Geraldine are investing in National Savings,” said the Postmaster (Mr F. J. Shearer) yesterday. Meat Coupons Good progress is being made with the issue of meat coupons. At the close of business on Tuesday 782 sheets had been issued. Members of the public are requested to make early application for the coupons, as from Monday next meat cannot be purchased without them. The Post Office counter will re-open between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to-day and to-morrow for those unabje to attend during the day. Vital Statistics No births were recorded at Geraldine in February as compared with one in February last year. Three deaths were recorded this year (none last year), and one marriage was registered. PAREORA Soldiers Honoured Friends met in the Pareora Hall to welcome home Private T. Catlow (who was a prisoner of war), Corporal A. Hurst, Gunner H. Emery, and L. Munro, on furlough from the Middle East, also Ptes. Don Munro and Arthur Skudder from the Pacific Islands. The men were piped into the hall by Sergeant Ron Munro and received a rousing welcome. The speakers, who extended a welcome to the men and wished them a very happy furlough, were Messrs R. W. Munro (chairman of the Soldiers’ Service Committee),R G. A. Munro (Soldiers’ Welfare Committee), W. Morgan (for the residents), R. Cruickshanks (sports clubs), and Mrs Nelson (Women’s Institute). Opportunity was taken to present to Mesdames Wallace and Guthrie wallets for James Wallace and Gordon Guthrie, members of the R.N.Z.A.F., who had left the district and had not received an official farewell. During the week the Pareora Women's Institute packed and posted to 28 local men overseas parcels containing biscuits, tongues, lamb and peas, jam, fruit, writing pad, pencil, envelopes, aspros, soap, milk, cream, and foot powder. Each soldier leaving the district receives three parcels during the year from the Women's Institute.