The R.S.A. and Diggers.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20280, 14 April 1934, Page 8

The R.S.A. and Diggers.

Dear' Sir, —I read the letter signed “ Desperation,” and was very interested in what the secretary of the R.S.A. had to say in the footnote, for I cannot agree with it. If I remember rightly the present president (Mr Read) used the same words at one of his meetings at a membership drive about two years ago—l think it was at Papanui. I would like to tell “ Desperation ” and other readers of the “ Star ” that being a member of the R.S.A.—even only a twobob one—has more than a lot to do with a returned Digger getting any assistance, especially a subsidy, if he can manage to find w’ork on his own account, and it is necessary to see eye to eye with the present policy of the R.S.A., or else he w’ill be left out in the cold. Might I refer to a copy of the “ Star ” of January 7 or 17 of last year. It contains a statement in regard to the trusteeship and distribution of the canteen funds. I would like to ask the secretary of the R.S.A. whether he is proud of the way they have been distributed. Have the R.S.A. carried out their duties in the way they should have done? Have they been impartial, or have they played the game? I wonder how many Diggers get nothing from the R.S.A. or who have never had any assistance. I am sure, Mr Editor, if all the facts were known there would not be so many generous people in CHristchuich. Might I ask you, Mr Editor, to refer this letter to the R.S.A. if you wish to do so before publication, and if the secretary or any of the executive of the R.S.A. have any answers or any comment I would be very pleased if you would grant me further space in your columns later on? —I am. etc., D. F. DICK. 15, Truro Street, Sumner. The secretary of the R.S.A. says that all the funds received by the association are fairly distributed. In the past twelve months a thousand individual members have been helped to the extent of £SOOO, which speaks for itself.—Ed., “ Star.**