SOLDIERS' CLUB AND HALL.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16422, 16 January 1919, Page 8

SOLDIERS' CLUB AND HALL.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PBESS." Sir, —It is not (customary for the Christchurcli Returned Soldiers' Association to reply to letters written under nom de plumes, but, as,. no doubt, your correspondent ("Intending. Subscriber") is anxious to ascertain the objects of the association, and has the welfare of the returned "soldier, at heart, I have pleasure in replying to the several points raised in his letter. (1) Is the club for l-eturaed soldiers, jr for members of the Keturned Sol-

diers' Association only? The association offers the full privileges of the club to any returned soldier of good conduct free of charge for three months after disembarkation. On or before the expiry of that period (circumstances permitting;) men are expected to join the association, and thus help to maintain the club for both their own recreation and that of their less fortunate comrades. The membership fee is small (10s per annum), and under the l)eed of Trust the association cannpt increase the amount, and so make the club exclusive. Futhermore, provision is made in its constitution whereby the committee may remit from ti.me to time the subscription of any soldier in poor circumstances. I would point out to your, correspondent that the public are being askccl to subscribe to the capital co§t of the site and buildings, but are not being asked to maintain the club. (2) Who are eligible for membership to the Returned Soldiers' Association, i.e.,.can a man who went into camp and was discharged on account of his services not being required, become a member, or must he have been overseas?

Clause 13 (A) of tho constitution sets forth:—"All honourably discharged soldiers /officers and men) resident in New Zealand who have served in or with his Majesty's Forces overseas during the great European war shall be eligible for membership." (3) In the event of a section of members of the present association severing their connexion with the parent Returned Soldiers' Association and branching off, would -they be debarred from making any further ns6 of the club or hall? Yes, most certainly - 'they would not be allowed "the privileges of the club, but would be accorded the same privileges as the public in to the ,f Hall of Memories," which will be of a beautiful and sacred character. An organisation must be under efficient and proper control, and if there should at any time be a difference of opinion amongst returned soldiers they always have an opportunity of expressing their opinion at meetings held frequently throughout the year, together with tho privilege of recording their votes at an annual general meeting. Briefly, tho objects of the association are as fol-

lows: — (1) To promote the interest and forward the -welfare of members and their dependants. . (2) To perpetuate in the civil life ot the nation the principles for which we have fought-. (3) To promote social intercourse amongst the members. (4) To obtain all advantages by unrtea action, which each separate association or individual members would have more difficulty in obtaining in i£s or theif separate capacity, and thefeby on all occasions see that members are treated with absolute justice and equity. (5) To assist in the repatriation of returned men —(a) agricultural, (b) manual, (c) civil, (d) industrial. (6) To pay special attention to needs and interests of totally or partially disabled men. (7) To advise returned soldiers who

contemplate beginning in business, trades, or professions, or in the adoption of 'new occupations. • (8) To advise returned soldiers who contemplate settling on tho land. (9) To give advice regarding the many problems of returned soldiers, in which are included —(a) pensions, (b) allowances and medical treatment. (10) To conduct a club, room or rooms for the use of members, and supply wholesome recreation. (11) To conduct a newspaper known as "Quick March," and diffuse all information in regard to the welfare of the returned men and dependants. (12) "Where possible, to be. of assistance to relatives of fallen comrades. In conclusion, I may state that the association •is only too to assist anv returned soldier, irrespective _of his being a member of the association or not. —Tours, etc., N. B. McCALLUM. President, ■- Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association. Christchurch, January 15th.