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The Board desires to place on record its very deep appreciation of the services so ably and willingly rendered by Major C. W. 0. Brain and his Assistant Commissioners,. Captains A. E. Enright and L. M. Graham. The success of the patriotic efforts with the 3rd Division was due in a very large measure to the energy of these efficient and capable officers. R.N.Z.A.F. —In January, 1944, Flight Lieutenant J. R. Herbert, who had been the Board's Commissioner in Tonga, was transferred to the No. 1 Islands Group, R.N.Z.A.F. This Group controlled practically the whole of the New Zealand Air Force in thirteen different islands in the Pacific. A base was established at Guadalcanal and Y.M.C.A. personnel appointed with every unit. At each station also an officer of the Air Force was appointed to be the direct contact with the Board's Commissioner, to enable the needs of this mobile Force to be met expeditiously. Recreation huts were established, provision was made for a daily newspaper service from New Zealand, motion-picture plants were installed,, sailing-boats were provided for those off duty, and generally an excellent comforts service was organized. With the expansion of this Force it became necessary for an Assistant Commissioner to be appointed, and the position was filled by Flight Lieutenant G. J. Brocklehurst,. Flight Lieutenant Herbert being promoted to Honorary Squadron Leader. During the year the area was visited by the Deputy Chairman and the Secretary of the Board. The war in the Pacific created peculiar problems for a welfare service, and nonepossibly more so than the problem of serving Air Force personnel in so many localities.. As stated in last year's report, the question of supplies to the Pacific continued to be difficult, but every co-operation was received from the Services in solving this difficult problem. Fiji. —The New Zealand Forces Club, Suva, under the capable supervision of Mr. F. E. Warner, Honorary Secretary, and a voluntary committee, continued to function throughout the year. In the early part of the year the club gave service not only to* New Zealand personnel, but also to the Allied Forces who were stationed in Fiji. In addition, the Catholic Club, which was subsidized by the Board, assisted in the entertainment of our troops. The Board expresses its thanks to Mr. Donovan and his Council for the assistance rendered. Mr. F. L. Smith continued to act as Honorary Commissioner for the Board, and was ably assisted by Mr. Hugh Wilson, Senior Y.M.C.A. Secretary in Fiji. Towards the end of the year the Board established a rest centre, known as Garrick House. This centre catered for men from outlying parts of the island on their short leave in Suva. Special thanks are due to Mr. H. Wilson, who was responsible for the initial opening and the successful working of this rest centre. National Patriotic Council. —In accordance with a remit passed by the 1942" Patriotic Conference and a decision of a meeting of the Council held subsequently, the Government agreed to revoke all membership of this Council as from the 15th October, 1943, as the advisory purposes for which the Council had been formed were no longer necessary. Obituary The Board regrets to record the death on. active service of Brigadier J. Hargest, D.5.0., M.C., M.P., a member of the National Patriotic Council, who rendered outstanding service to the patriotic organization since its inception.

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