WANGANUI R.S.A. MEMBERSHIP WELL OVER TWO THOUSAND

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 March 1947, Page 4

WANGANUI R.S.A. MEMBERSHIP WELL OVER TWO THOUSAND

Membership of the Wanganui Returned Services’ Association now stands at 2671, comprising 766 old and 1905 new “Diggers.” This is disclosed in the quarterly report to be presented at the meeting to be hold on Wednesday next. The spotlight is centred on the future activities of the club, activities which have an all-embracing sphere of movement, designed to provide such outdoor and indoor entertainment as is consistent with the idea behind the association.

Invaluable assistance has been given to ex-servicemen in respect of ousiness matters and from me observer’s point of view, nothing is too much trouble for the association, in supporting members when the need ol such an organisation as the association is required. visits are still being paid to the hospital by Mr. Harry tsartow, the association s representative, who regularly distributes cigarettes, tobacco and chocolate to an returned men in hospital. IXlo matter to wnich branch oi the association a member may belong, his badge is his only credential, anu representatives have no hesitation in distriouting comforts.

Every Cnristmas, supreme are made to make large donations oi iruit and other produce to public and other institutions in the city and further allocations of cigarettes and tobacco are made to men under hospitalisation. The weekly dances (under the chairmansnip of Mr. A. W. Butters) have come to be regarded as the brightest in town, where companionship and the fellowship create an atmosphere which is not only of the present, but also of the past.

The women s section oi the association is a veritable nerve centre. This fine band of women wno, witn Mrs. E. Barnett as president, and Mrs. A. p. Hall as secretary, have visited hospital in-patients and jiave directed their en’orts towards assisting in almost every activity of the association. The children s party, held on December 14 last, Owed its success to this section.

Owing to the increasing popularity of the oilliard rcom, it has been decided to instal another table, an innovation which will be appreciated by members from far and wide. Table tennis is to be resumed this month, to coincide with the commencement of housie-housie evenings, profits from which will be devoted to providing parcels for Britain. The annual picnic is to pe held on Sunday, March 16, at Takanuri, Wanganui River, and arrangements are well under way to ensure of the picnic being a great success. Of interest to bowlers is that the original site for this green has been changed from its position near the motor testing station in Ridgway Street Extension, to a site adjoining the St. John’s Tennis Club, and it is hoped to commence playing in the New Year. The annual bowling tournament takes place next Saturday on St. John’s green.

Poppy Day will be run as usual this year oy the Victoiia League, under lhe supervision of Mrs. IN. R. Bain, who has undertaken this work tor many years. Mrs. Bain is reported to have said that this may possioly be the last time she will officiate, but her words, “I shall worry about th'at next year,” may be interpreted as meaning that sne will continue to perform this duty which she has taken upon herself—a duty, the execution pi which has earned her nothing but unstinted admiration and respect.