RETURNED SOLDIERS

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXV, Issue 8906, 21 April 1936, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS

ANNUAL MEETING OF WAIHI BRANCH

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR INCREASED MEMBERSHIP The annual general meeting of the Waihi Returned Soldiers’ Association, which was held on Saturday evening in the Waihi Federal Band Hall, was well attended, those present including representatives of the Waikino sub-branch. The president, Mr J. Mitchell, presided. Before presenting the annual report and balance-sheet, the chairman made feeling references to the death during the year of Mr F. Taylor, a member of the committee, and to the more recent loss of Mr P. Mullins, an honorary member, who in that capacity had substantially assisted the association in augmenting its membership. He then moved a vote of sympathy and condolence to the members of the family of Mr Mullins, which was carried with all present standing for a few moments in silence. COMMITTEE’S REPORT

I’lic chairman, in submitting the committee’s report for the year ended March 31, said it was very gratifying to be able to record a substantial increase in the membership of the association. During the past year the number had swelled to 116, a record since the inauguration of the branch 17 years ago, while the number of new enrolments since the close of the financial year had been encouraging. Notwithstanding this satisfactory position, it did not by any means represent the peak number, and it was the desire of the committee, and indeed the duty of every member, to spare no effort to induce men to enrol. While on the subject, it was pleasing to note that the increase in the number of members was not peculiar to the Waihi association, as reports showed that increases had been generally experienced by returned soldiers’ association* throughout the Dominion. | Referring to the statement of accounts, Mr Mitchell said it would indicate careful expenditure and showed a healthy position. There had been nothing in the nature of a heavy drain upon the general fund and no single item called for comment on the committee’s part. Each year seemed to produce more business than the previous one, and in certain directions the year just ended was no exception. There had been a deal of adjustment of existing pension cases, as well as new disability applications, and the committee believed the adjustments had been made with a greater measure of success than heretofore.

HELP FOR VETERANS ’rite placing of the War Veterans’ Allowance Act on the Statue Book was the outstanding feature in the association’s year and had already done a tremendous amount to alleviate distress among ex-servicemen not eligible under any other existing Act. This alone entailed extra work, which was, however, gladly undertaken, and none could asy that it was not. a pleasant experience. The committee felt, and members generally would feel, that this Act in itself had justified the association’s existence and its efforts over the years, and as time went on amendments would undoubtedly abolish existing anomalies. Touching on the subject of allocations from the Canteen Fund and National War Funds, appreciation and gratitude was expressed to these institutions for the very timely assistance, and through these allocations of money the local association was able to give to those entitled to help. The money had served the purpose of meeting the claims of unemployed returned soldiers and providing work and sustenance.

THE SOCIAL SIDE So far as the social side of the association’s activities was concerned, the president said that, without hesitation, it could be stated that the 1085 re-union was an unqualified success; so much so that it was considered a new gathering place would lie necessary in the future. That would bo a matter for the in-coming committee to deal with. Also second to none was.the Waikino half-yearly entertainment provided by the Waikino members, to whom the thanks and congratulations of the association were due. During the year gatherings at Katikati, Tauranga, Morrinsville, To Arolia, Thames and J’aeroa were attended by representatives of Hie association, and although such visits were often difficult to arrange it was the desire of the committee that they should be continued if at ail possible. The Anzac Day parade last year, it was claimed, was the most successful to date, many attending from Waikino and Die Waihi Plains, and it was to be hoped (lie approaching commemoration service would be well attended. It was up to the association to give this matter its fullest attention and consideration.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS Before concluding the committee would like to express its keen appreciation and thanks to Messrs F. C. Clarke, R. .1. Caundle, E. Beilby and 11. Addy for their vocal and musical contributions so generously given during the year. On the motion of Mr S. Ball, seconded by Mr A. ,1. Bollock, the report and balance-sheet were received. There being no comment, Mr Ball then moved that they be adopted, and this was seconded by Mr I, T. Fallwell, and carried.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Patron, Mr ,1. Thorn. M.R.; president, ■Mr ,l. .Mitchell; vice-presidents, Messrs R. V. Ilollis, R, Walsh and A. ,1. Bollock; committee, Messrs C. Ford, C. O. Lloyd, T. Marl well, F. Wilton. ,7. Pat olio, 11. ldioinas; secretary, Mr E. 11. McCarlliny; treasurer, Mr E. Ray; auditor, Mr J. W. MeßHejohn. ‘