SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Chronicle (Levin), 18 April 1946, Page 2

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

REPORT OF OTAKI R.S.A. "As this is our first annual report since the war ended, it is not out oi place to express our sincere appreciation of the splendid record if our fighting forces, and to extend a, warm welcome to the men who have now returned from active service," says the annual report of the Otaki R.S.A. for the year ended March 31 last and which has just been issued'. The report continues as follows: —

"Membership: Our financial membership at March 31 was 211, an increase of 17 on last year. Not included in these figures are forty new members from this war who have joined since January 1, as your executive has decided that no further subscription be asked of them for the coming year. "Anzac Day: Services were held throughout the district, the attendance being good. Again we have to thank all those who assisted on* the day, especially the elergy and the several speakers, and also Mrs. Witchell for the splendid wreath. "Poppy Day: The saies of poppies were again satisfactory and showed an increase over last year's saies. We have to again thank the general public of Otaki and district for their generous support, and also those willing workers who so kindly assisted in the sale of poppies. "Obituary: We regret to record the death of three of our members, 8097 Geo. Waide, South African veteran, who also served in the 1914-18 war and in the 1939-45 war; 21585 W. R. Isherwood, a veteran of the 1914-18 war; and 65542 W. Murray, 1939-45 war, killed in a railway accident. Members of the executive, togethgr with other members, were present at the funeral services to pay their last respects; and to lay wreaths on youi*behalf. . "Soldiers' plot: The only soldier in our plot this year was 21585 W. R. isherwood. During December our plot was inspected by Lieut.-Colonel NcNamara, on behalf of the Interna'l Affairs Department. He expressed himself as well satisfled, and recommended the desirability of our adopting what is known as a lawn cemetery, in which all headstones are replaced by bronze plaques. Your executive, after consulting next-of-kin, has decided to adopt this suggestion. All expenses will be met by the Internal Affairs Department. "Relief: We are pleased to again report that the calls made on the benevolent fund have been light. "Social: The annual re-union was held in the Raukawa Hall at Otaki in October, the • attendance being above the average. Our members were in good form. Our thanks are again due to a concert party -from Trentham, and also to Mr. Arcus, of Wellington, a noted conjuror. The boWling tournament was held in February and resulted in a profit of £17 2s 5d. The tournament was won by a rink from Newtown, and we have to thank the members of the Otaki and the Otaki Railway Clubs for the use of their greens. "General: Your delegate, Mr. Harold Jepson, attended the annual conference on June 19, 1945. ,Mr. George Brown, a member of the executive committee, has been appointed secretary to the Buller , Hospital Board. On the eve of his departure for Westport, your exe- ; cutive made him a small presenta- : tion and wished him good luck. We ! have to again thank Mr. Harry | Witchell for his valued services as ! auditor, and to show our appreciaj tion of his services over so many years your committee has unani- : mously elected him an honorary life member of this association. We have also to thank Mrs. Tilbury for doing the association's typing duri ing the year, and the Otaki Borough | Council for allowing us the counciJ | room for our meetings."