Membership Of R.S.A. In Marton Passes 530 Mark

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 April 1949, Page 3

Membership Of R.S.A. In Marton Passes 530 Mark

The total membership of the Marton R.S.A. at March 31, 1949, was 536, of which 174 were first war members and 362 second war members. This was reported at the annual meeting last night by the president, Mr. G H. Denbow. Included in these figures were: Hunterville Sub-branch (108 members) and Rata Sub-branch (55). “Since our last annual meeting, Mr. F Purnell, who is a life honorary niv.aoer of this branch, has retired from the Mayoralty of Marton after a long term of 26 years of service,” said Mr. Denbow. “We appreciate and are , very grateful for the help which he so freely gave to this association and we tender our good wishes for the future to both Mr. and Mrs. Purnell,” added Mr. Denbow. Reviewing the past year’s activities, Mr Denbow referred to the annual "smoko” which was only fairly attended, the good muster of rerurz.cd men at the Anzac Day parade, the v;sit of His Excellency, Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., to Marton, when he informally met a well attended gathering of ex-servicemen of the three wars in the Victory Hall, and Poppy Day, the sales figures of which were excellent. The association, said Mr Denbow, had again been represented on the Rehabilitation Committee by Mr. G. B. Gregory, who was chairman, and the president. As the district headquarters for rehabilitation for Marton had been transferred from Wanganui to. Palmerston North, Mr. Denbow ’hanked all those officers of the Wanganui Rehabilitation Office for the courtesies and consideration that they had given to ex-service applicants at all times. Mr Denbow said it was very pleasing to note that General Sir Howard Kippenberger has been elected unanimously as Dominion president and Mr. H. B. Burd6kin, of Levin, was successful for the office of Dominion vice-president in a field of seven Mr. Denbow, on behalf of the branch, offered sincere congratulations to Sir Howard on the occasion of the honour conferred on him by the King. REBUILDING OF RETORTS BEGU> T AT MARTON GASWORKS. The contractor started the rebuilding of the bed of eight retorts at the beginning of last month, reported the manager of the Marton Gasworks, Mr A. A. Watson, at the monthly meeting of the Marton Borough Council last night, He said the work was now practically finished, which was very satisfying. New pipe work on this bed was still to be carried out, but it was hoped this would be completed during the current month. The concrete floor in front of the new bed was in a state of collapsing and was being renewed. Last month 69 tons of coal were carbonised, yielding bags of coke to the ton. Two purifiers were changed and the tar pumping was kept up to date. Two cookers and two gas fires were installed and seven fitting jobs completed. Two services were cleaned. Twenty-three meters were changed and eight consumers were disconnected on account of the new rates operating. This was very gratifying, considering the number affected, said Mr. Watson. PATRIOTIC SOCIETY WELFARE COMMITTEE. The recent formation of a Marton Patriotic Society Welfare Committee was commented upon by the president (Mr. G. H. Denbow) at the annual meeting of the Marton Returned Services’ Association last night. He said the association had the excellent representation of two members—the president and secretary—on a committee of six. Cases of hardship, distress and need were carefully and sympathetically considered by this committee, said Mr. Denbow, which disbursed certain welfare funds from the parent body, the National Patriotic and Canteen Fund Board.