WAIHI PENSIONERS

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9305, 26 November 1938, Page 2

WAIHI PENSIONERS

ANNUAL REPORT SUBMITTED MEMBERSHIP US CONFERENCE HELD AT THAMES The annual report of the executive of the Waihi Pensioners' Association was submitted to a largely attended meeting of members on Wednesday, there being about sixty present. The meeting, which was the final for the year, was presided over by the president, Mr G. Leather. The report coverad the activities of the association for the full period and was as follows: "The executive desires to compliment the members on the excellent attendances which they maintained at the monthly meetings and the keen interest they showed in the discussions when dealing with matters of interest to the association. On the introduction of the social security scheme by the Government it became advisable for members to be on the alert with regard to matters affecting miners' pensioners, and it was deemed advisable to arrange a conference with the TJiames branch. The conference was held at Thames and all matters affecting the members were discussed and dealt with. The result of the deliberations at the conference was forwarded to the Minister of Pensions, the Hon. W, E. Parry. Wellington, for his consideration. A similar document was also sent to the chairman of the Social Security Adjustment Committee for his consideration. NEW BRANCH FORMED "During the year a branch of the association was formed in Auckland: and is already accomplishing good work on behalf of its members. The secretary of the newly-formed branch, Mr 11. Fagan, formerly secretary of the AVaihi branch, has intimated that the branch has now a membership of 120. The local executive, at the invitation of the promoters, attended the opening of the Auckland branch, and were impressed by the enthusiasm shown at th( initial gathering, and predict it becoming a very live organisation. Tin postion of the miners' pensioners has been greatly strengthened by thf establishment of three active and thoroughly alive branches which deal with all matters affecting the welfare of members. "The executive much appreciated the action of the members last month when the election of officers tooli place and resutled in the return at the sitting executive unopposed. It was gratifying to note that there were 108 financial members, and with the addition of 10 widows the total stood at 118. The membership fee was Gs, which provided £32 Ss, and the voluntary contributions of members for the year amounted to £33 Is Gd, or 13s Gd per member, a very gratifying position, especially as a number of members were enrolled within the last six months. ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS "During the year the executive has endeavoured to keep in touch with members requiring assistance and also visited the sick. In the distribution of small necessaries and coal, an effort has been made to give equitable assistance to members. A total of 70 tons of coal has been dealt with since this line of assistance was inaugurated, and we are indebted to the Minister of Pensions for his action in giving various grants from the art union funds. "The association was also indebted to Messrs Pillinger and Lee for donations to the funds of £5 each, and there is a credit balance in the bank. "A total of eleven funerals were attended by members during the year for which the Miners' Union kindly paid for two. Seven were for oui late members, two for miners' pensioners, and one an old employee at the mine and the other for the victim of the unfortunate lire at the Commercial Hotel.

"Entering on another year, the executive trusts the same support and interest will be displayed by members and in extending the compliments of the season trusts that the general health of all members will be maintained'."