YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 27, 12 May 1947, Page 5

YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

WHAKATANE R.S.A. a PRESIDENT’S REPORT The following is the annual report submitted by the president, Mr L. H. Brown, to the annual meeting of the Whakatane branch of the R.S.A.:— Executive Committee: This committee has met on eleven monthly meetings to transact association business—the meetings have been well attended throughout the year. In addition to the regular meetings, sub-committees have met to discuss, and go into the question of housing, transport and finance.

I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my personal appreciation and thanks to the " members of the executive for their assistance and co-operation during the year.

Conferences: • At the annual conference held in Wellington last June Messrs. G. Mexted and T. Macken represented this branch, and duly reported the activities therefrom. In addition there has been held three Waikato, King Country, Bay of Plenty conferences, and a further four within the Bay of Plenty. At all these conferences this branch has been represented by at least two delegates.

Rehabilitation: I have had the honour of representing you on the Rehabilitation Committee during the year. While this is the biggest question affecting returned men, it is very gratifying to report the progress that is being made in this district. Some returned men are now settled on farms, and a further 15 to 20 will be settled as soon as building material is available. A large number of business and housing loans have also been dealt with. The spirit of co-operation that exists as between members of the committee and the officers of the various Government Departments is very pleasing and helpful in this work. Social Activities: The annual “Smoko” was held during August. While a very enjoyable evening was spent, the attendance was very disappointing. Two social evenings have been held at Otakiri—these were enjoyed by all present. A Maori re-union dinner was held, when visitors from far and near gathered to do honour to this function. The grand final of the Queen Carnival was held in June, when the ceremony of Crowning the Queen was carried out—followed by a very successful ball. Poppy Day: The sale of poppies resulted in /the sum of £196 13s lid being raised, this being a slight increase over the' previous year. To the many helpers, and the general public, we offer our sincere thanks. Soldiers’ Cemetery: The work of laying out the lawn cemetery is well under way. This work is being supervised by a past president of this branch, Mr MacDonald. Last Roll Call: During the year 10 members have answered the “Last Roll Call,” and eight have been placed to rest in the “Soldiers’ Plot.” To the relations of these “Comrades” we extend our deepest sympathy. Membership: The membership stands at 626—this only shows an increase of three for the year. We extend to any “Digger” who is not a member, an invitation to join. The

present world conditions call for vision, unity and understanding, and who is more qualified for this undertaking, than the returned men throughout the world.

’Dominion President: Mr Bert Jacobs, our Dominion President is this year retiring from office, and to him we extend our good wishes for the future. This branch, after giving careful consideration to the question of his successor, have nominated Mr C. C. Bell, the present vice-president. Finance: The financial position of this branch, as shown by the balance sheet, is in a very satisfactory position. Relief during the year to some of our less fortunate “Cobbers” has been greatly appreciated. Hospital Comforts: The hospital has been visited on a number of occasions and tobacco and comforts have been distributed. To Mr Atkinson, we express our sincere thanks for his valuable work and assistance in this connection.

Secretary: Our worthy and popular secretary, Mr C. Head, has intimated that he does not wish to be again nominated for' this position. He has held this office for the past 16 years, and during this fjeriod the success of this branch can be largely attributed to' his untiring energy and efforts. On your behalf, I wish’ to place on record our very sincere thanks and appreciation for his very fine record of service. We extend to him our very best wishes, and trust he will be long spared to enjoy good health in his retirement.

Vote of Thanks: On your behalf, I wish to express our sincere thanks to our auditor;. Mr FrankVPrideaux, also to the Borough Council for thus use of their Chambers year. In conclusion, I wish each and, all of you the very best, and trust during the coming year this branch will prosper and continue to be of assistance to its members. ’v