RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16813, 3 June 1926, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

HAMILTON BRANCH. ANNUAL MEETING AND SMOKER. Last night the Hamilton branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association held its annual meeting at the Masonic Hall, Glaudclands. The president, Mr N. Johnson, occupied the chair. There was a fair attendance. ■ The annual report stated that there had been a slight increase in membership, and the executive hoped that there would be an even larger increase this year. Members were reminded that all who were unfinancial could become financial on payment of the current subscription. The executive had put through a large amount of detail work during the year, especially with regard to pensions. There were continually arising cases of men whose disability was only now making itself seriously felt, and the executive felt that it had handled these difficult cases will all possible skill. During the year Major J. B. Whytc resigned the office of vice-president, and Mr P. W. Maddock resigned from the committee. Both gentlemen had done splendid work on behalf of the association, and their resignations were a rnalter of regret. Mr Maddock left to take up a position in Wellington, and to him they extended their good wishes. Major Whytc still remained a member of the association. The vacant office of vicepresident was filled by the promotion of Mr J. N. Baxter, whose position on the committee was filled by Mr E. Clayton-Greene. Mr Maddock's position was not filled. The sale of poppies on Anzac Day, 1925, was carried out by a very active and competent committee of ladies, whose efforts were extremely successful. A sum of nearly £139 was collected and handed over wilh a balance from the previous year to the Hamilton Borough Council and Veterans' Home. The amount received by the council was subsidised £ for £, and Ihe total sum was used for the employment of war veterans in borough relief works. The thanks of the association were to the ladies for their services. I The Year's Activities.

The usual parade for the Anzac Day services was held and largely attended. Two smoke concerts had been held during the year at the Winter Show concert hall. The first was in conjunction with the last annual meeting, and the second on the occasion of the visit of His Excellency the Governor-General. Both re-unions were largely attended, and very successful. At the first they were honoured by the attendance of the laic Major General C. W. Mclvill. His Excellency gave a very interesting and helpful address, and during the evening conversed with those present individually. The success of those gatherings prompt the executive to recommend the holding of further functions during the ensuing year. The balance-sheet showed a loss on the year's working of £l6 12s 2d, the balance in hand standing at £l3l 3s lid.

A special vole of thanks was accorded Mrs N. Johnson for her work on Poppy Day. A resolution -was carried that the Borough Council be asked lo consult the Returned Soldiers' Association and Defence authorities al. their preliminary meeting lo consider the arrangements for commemorating Anzac Day. The following officers were appointed for the coining year: President, Mr N. Johnson; vice-president, Mr J. Baxter; committee, 11. C. M. Norris, R. D. McFarland, R. F. Ward, M. E. Johnson, E. C. Green, 11. Toombs, P. Pile, W. J. King, A. F. Blackburn, J. Neilsen A Merry Affair. Following the annual meeting, the annual smoker was held, which was a merry affair. Mr N. Johnson presided, and there was a representative gathering from different parts of Waikato. The evening was one of enjoyment, and was devoted largely to musical and elocutionary items. A number of toasts were proposed, these including one to " Absent Comrades," proposed by Mr E. Clayton Green; to the " Army, Navy and Air Force," proposed by Mr P. Pile, responded to by Captain Johnson: the "New Zealand Expeditionary Force," proposed by Yen. Archdeacon Cowie, replied to by Mr Ward; and " The Guests," by Mr N. Johnson. The entertainment programme included songs by Messrs E. Quill, W. Fenlon, Carlson, Trot and J. U'Grady, and a budget of excellent Scotch slories by Mr Waller Gray, and choruses on the piano by Mr Hampshire.