RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSN.

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13750, 24 April 1918, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSN.

WAIKATO BRANCH. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the report to be submitted to the annual meeting of the above on Anzac Day:—

During the recent year the considerable development of the Association movement throughout the Dominion has made necessary the increasing of staffs both at headquarters, Wellington, and locally. The need of a permanent secretary became apparent early in the year and after considerable inquiry and discussion Mr B. Harris was appointed to the position in October. The many advantages gained by returned men since have amply justified the appointment. Our president, who is also a member of headquarters' executive, has attended four executive meetings at Wellington during the year and a summary of the work done at these meetings is now supplied to local secretaries.

Membership.—The New Zealand membership is about 10,000 and that of this Association 310, nearly four ti'nes that of last year. Forty-eight new members approved at last committee meeting are added to the above numbers. Seven of our members have re-enlisted during the year. There are also 106 honorary members, and to these members we extend the wish that they will continue to retain a lively interest in the association movement. Views of honorary members on all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Association are asked for and we hope to receive much valuable knowledge therefrom. One active member (11. Beamish) and one honorary member (E. James, Matamata) have died during tlie year and our deep sympathy is extended to their relations. At the forthcoming annual conference of New Zealand delegates consideration will be given towards admitting nurses to our membership. A New Zealand register of all our members is now kept at headquarters. Badge.— Our badge is now weli established and recognised, and further efforts are being put fortli to ensure that only genuine returned soldiers, who are entitled to the respect of their comrades, shall be ths wearers. A few cases of unauthorised wearers oi our l»adge have been dealt with, a fine of £5 and costs, or one month in prison, being imposed at Gisborne recently, when the Magistrate informed the offender that he was liable to a fine, of £IOO. All members should use their best efforts to bring like offenders to account by reporting cases to the sec. retarv.

Returned Soldiers' Clubs.—The movement towards obtaining a club house at Hamilton for returned soldiers appears to have reached a more definite stage, and members may now anticipate being quartered in a very hand, some building before the next annual meeting. Finance.—The financial statement reveals a healthy state for less than two years' operations, but members will also notice that every effort is needed in maintaining a strong membership and assisting with the various functions for raising funds to overcome liabilities.

Land Settlement.—Land Settlement is one of our most complex problems and much has yet to be done in collecting information before the Association can commit itself to a sound land policy. It is, however, anticipated th.it it will begin to take shape at next confidence. The unsatisfactory conditions under which some of our members were settled on the Reynolds Soldiers' Settlement have been improved during the year. Those men who were justly dissatisfied with their holdings were allowed to surrender, compensation being paid, or they were allowed to transfer to more suitable sections. Most of the men availed themselves of the transfer. Employment.—Employment of returned soldiers has also required careful and constant attention. The average man on return is unable to take up his pre-war occupation through wounds or disease contracted while on active service. He has in most cases to l>e found work of a light nature and this avenue is now closing. Members will extend considerable assistance to their old comrades by arranging that they advbe their secretary of auy openings corning under notice. The* attention of returned men is directed to the assistance given in finding employment by the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department which works in conjunction with the Returned Soldiers' Association. Employment has been found for a great number of men returned to the Waikato, and satisfactory wages obtained in all cases. Claims and Complaints.—Under this heading much work has been accomplished for the benefit of returned men, several not being members of the Association. Pensions have been granted, renewed and increased through the Association's efforts. Allotments withhold have betMi dravn and errors adjusted. Pay allowances have been corrected and satisfaction given to the men concerned, furlough pay being the latest concession through the As. soeiition's representation. Sundry.—Sundry other matters which have received our attention, and are still under review with the aim of improvements and grants. Organising.— Pressure of routine work and attention !>eing diverted to various functions have prevented the secretary from visiting many of the smaller centres. Local committees of the Waikato Association have been

formed at Paeroa and Waerenga and preliminary steps taken at Te Aroha, Cambridge and Kiwitahi. The members of this Association extend from Coromandel and Putaruru on one side to Pukekohe and Raetihi oil the other, thus covering a vast area. Principal places within this territory will be visited as opportunity offers. Thanks.—Our sincerest thanks are extendi d to the numerous lady and gentlemen friends to whose untiring energies we owe so much. It is im. possible to individualise where so many good friends are concerned, but we feel that we cannot overlook certain bodies

of our energetic community which stand out so prominently. They are Patriotic societies (including ladies of the lied Cross, Hamilton and FrankMa\or and Borough Councillors, Hamilton Amateur Operatic Society, Comas Club, St. Mary's Ladies' Club, Hamilton I'ughy Union and Hamilton l!,-)>vi-ig Club, Domain Board and Beautifying Society, Girls' Friendly Society,

\\ inter Show Assoeita'ion and A. and P. Association, Racing Clubs, also to many of the leading firms and tho

Press. To the last mentioned our deepest gratitude is extended with a hope of continued support. general Attitude of Government.— The assistance and courtesy v. i icli has always been extended to the Association by the Government Depai unents is appreciated, and our thanks are due to the Departmental Ministers for instructing that whenever possible facilities be granted to our headquarters in securing information. The facilities granted by the Postal and Railway Departments represent considerable out. lay and their renewal from year to year indicates the confidence with which the authorities view the work of the Association.