EX-SERVICEMEN

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3449, 28 April 1936, Page 5

EX-SERVICEMEN

PAST YEAR REVIEWED

INCREASED MEMBERSHIP

Following the Anzac Service on Saturday, the annual meeting of the Cambridge Branch of the Exservicemen's Association was held in the Town Hall super-room. The president, Mr'Chas. Watt, presided over an attendance of 80 members. Before commencing the business, a welcome was extended to Mr F. Lye, who was thanked for his continued interest in the affairs of exservicemen.

The annual report commenced with reference to the passing of our beloved Monarch, King George V., and the sympathy extended to Queen Mary by Headquarters of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association on behalf of all branches. His Majesty, King Edward VIII. is the life patron of the New Zealand Association.

Anzac Day, 1935, was celebrated with feelings of homage and remembrance. Thanks were extended to Mrs G. G. L. Taylor and her committee for raising funds through the sale of Anzac Poppies. The annual benefit screening wa's well patronised and thanks were extended to the Borough Council the Waikato Independent and Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., for their assistance: The measures adopted for the alleviation of distress among ex-Ser-vice ranks in the district had proved highly successful and thanks were extended to those citizens who assisted the subsidy scheme. The same policy would be continued during the coming winter.

The position of pensions had relatively remained unchanged except that all who went up for re-exam-ination had for the most part received renewal for a further term. In some cases an increase of the pensions' award had been obtained but, so far as was known, no applications for pensions under the recent legislation termed the Veterans' Allowances' Act had been successful. The re-union passed off in a very pleasant manner, there being a record attendance present. The chief guest was Major J. Butler, C.8.E., M.C., A.F.C., a prominent war-time pilot. Thanks were extended to the Cambridge Band for assistance at the function.

In conclusion the report stressed the need for those in distress to come forward during the coming winter for participation in the winter employment scheme. The financial statement showed that the general account commenced with a credit balance of £2B 9/6 and concluded with a credit of £26 13/1. Subscriptions amounted to £ls 1/- at the reduced fee of 2/6.

The wreath account commenced with a credit of £4 18/6 and concluded with a credit of £4 13/8.

Election of Officers

The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr C. Russo; vice-president, Mr C. Watt; hon. secretary, Mr T. H. Hampshire; auditor, Mr H. Ferguson; reunion secretary, Mr F. R. Wooldridge.

Delegates of Committee: A. E. Bowles, F. B. Wooldridge, R. S. Manna, J. V. Richards, C. W. Atkinson (Cambridge), F. St. John (Leamington), C. Russo (Roto-o-rangi), F. H. Anderson and G. Mills (Hautapu), J. S. Hooker and S. N. Ziman (Pukcroro), J. W. Jeans (Whitehall), V. 11. Lynds (Tauwliare), W. A. Fisher (Pukerimu), C. F. Gibbons (Monavale), I). W. Ariel! and C. Osborne !(Maungatautari), W. Currie (Horahora), A. Jamicson (T eMiro), H. JRishworth (Karapiro), A. Tapclin '(Matangi). It was decided, after discussion, that the annual reunion he held this year on the King's Birthday, June 23.

The secretary reported that the membership stands at 92, which although an increase on previous years, does not compare favourably with other towns the size of Cambridge. The roll at Te Awamutu is 132, Matamata 185, Te Aroha 111 and Thames 230.

A copy of the picture "Carillon" was produced at the meeting and as profits from sales will assist the association's funds, members were requested to consider the purchase of this memory of the war.

The wearing of the association's badge by all members was suggested by Mr C. Atkinson, who pointed out that smaller badges!' are now available.

A recommendation to the committee was carried that any nurses in the district be invited to be present at the annual reunion.

It was also decided that the committee forward a remit to headquarters urging that the Government push forward its proposals to assist "burnt-out" soldiers. The president and secretary were

appointed to represent the branch on the Borough of Cambridge Jubilee Committee.