ANNUAL REPORT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 155, 3 May 1940, Page 5

ANNUAL REPORT

OPOTIKI R.S.A. MATTERS CONSIDERED B|f EXECUTIVE The twenty-first annual report of the -Opotiki Returned Soldiers' Association was presented by the president, Mr E. J. Baigent, who said:— 'The past year has been a busy one. In addition to attending to the usual business of helping men to establish claims for pensions, rendering assistance to those in need, and giving a friendly hand and lodg ings to the itinerant Returned Soldiers, the present war has added to our problems. "At a committee meeting held on the 11th September, your association offered its services to the Gov- : eminent to serve in any or whatever capacity may be required. A request was sent to the Orphans' Club asking its co-operation in arranging public farewells to all men going into camp. Our thanks are due to the Orphans' Club for their spontaneous response, and tiie successful evenings held by them, until the Patriotic Farewell Committee took over., Absolute Essential. "Patriotic funds for rehabilitation and after-care of men (and their dependents) of the present war, have been very fully discussed and con-: sidered by your executive. We feel it our duty to see that the above have the full benefit of our experience, and our considered opinion is fliat a fund held in trust and administered by local trustees, is absolutely essential, '"Altering the constitution of our association to allow men returning from the present war to become members, has been considered,, and it was decided to leave the matter in abeyance until after the Dominion Conference of delegates to be held in Wellington next month. It may then be necessary to call an extraordinary general meeting to deal with the matter."