SECOND N.Z.E.F.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 79, 27 May 1946, Page 3

SECOND N.Z.E.F.

ITS FUTURE WILL IT AFFILIATE An approach has been made by the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association for affiliation with the N..R.5.A., states Flak in the Dominion. The matter has been under discussion for some weeks and Mr E. L. Thwaites, of Auckland, president of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association, called on Dominion headquarters in'Wellington a few weeks ago. Though the approach was for affiliation, it is believed that any decision made by the N.Z.R.S.A. will be on a basis of amalgamation of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. organisation or absorption. When the latter association was formed, one of the main ideas behind it was to have an organisation of second world war men. At this time first world war men were still in a majority in the R.S.A. Now, however, that position no longer obtains. At January 31 (last figures available) the membership of the N.Z.R.S.A. was 107,774 of which 63,814 represented 1939-45 men. The Wellington branch with 11,789 financial members at February 28 (plus 1000 who will be included in the figure for the coming financial year beginning April 1) has a majority of second world war men and the same is true of other associations and branches. This means that second world war men in a position to exert their influence in R.S.A. affairs and half the Dominion executive is composed of them. A similar position largely obtains throughout branches and district associations. The membership of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association is approximately 11,000. This includes the honorary membership of next-of-kin and others who have given special service to the association. It is likely that the N.Z.R.S.A. will make an early decision on the matter. Negotiations are continuing.