RETURNED MEN MEET

Chronicle (Levin), 17 May 1946, Page 4

RETURNED MEN MEET

LEVIN R.S.A. PREPARES FOR NEW YEAR MEMBERS' ANNUAL MEETING Considering that the membership of the Levin Returned- ,Serviees' Association is now well over 500, rne attendanee of approximately 100 at the annual general meeting on Wednesday night eould hardly be indicative of a whole-hearted interest of all members in the affairs of the branch- However, a.large proportion of those present were exservicemen of the Second World War, which, as the president, Mr. H. J. Lancaster, remarked, "was very encouraging." A number of apologies were received, the members concerned being granted leave of absence. Officers Elected Before nominations were received for the eleetion of officers for the ensuing year, Mr. Lancaster thanked the members of the executive for their co-operation and support during his four years of office. On the motion of Mr. J. P. Bertram, seconded by Mr. H. G. Maekay. Mr. Lancaster was nominated toiohe presidency, and there being no other nominations, was re-elected unanimously. Members showed their appreciation of the capable leadership of the president by singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr. Lancaster thanked the members for their confidence in him. The time was approaching, he said, when the association would have to have a new president. However, he would like to carry on with some of the work in hand, especially the memorial hall, but he would be retiring next year. Dr. L. J. Hunter, O.B.E., was reelected vice-president, there being no other nominations accepted, Mr. N. M. Thomson having declined nomination. Mr. F. Nichol and Mr. W. Meddings were re-elected treasurer and secretary respectively. 'It was suggested that in view of the volume of the work done by the secretary an assistant be appointed. Mr. Meddings expressed his thanks for the suggestion, but explained that the nature of the work was such that it was difficult to divide. Mr. H. B. Burdekin, supported by other members, suggested that Mr. J. E. Fullarton, who had recently been appointed secretary to the Horowhenua -A. and P. Association, and who was a returned serviceman, be appointed auditor. It was decided to do this, subject to Mr. Fullarton's consent. Upon discussion, it was agreed that the composition of the executive committee be four members who had served in World War I and four from those who had served in World Wai* II. Fifteen nominations were received, and from them the following committee was elected: Messrs. L. W. Allen, J. P. Coulson, N. M. Thomson, B. M. Armstrong, H. B. Burdekin, J. P. Bertram, F. H. Hudson and Dr. S. J. Thompson. Women's Section Suggested Mr. Burdekin was asked by the president to place a suggestion to the meeting. Mr. Burdekin explained that the suggestion was that of the formation of a women's section of the branch, which would take the place of the. women's committee, but with increased activity. In addition to the usual sale of poppies, Rose Day and so on, the section would undertake to keep in touch with wives and daughters of deceased servicemen, ensuring that they shouid lack for nothing which they deserved. Mr. Burdekin outlined the ■'organisation of the section into districts or areas in which they would work. The scheme would be of great assistance to young brides, who were strangers to the district, in that they would have a proper welcome and be looked after in case of sickness or other emergency. The speaker was of the opinion that women were best qualified to care for the interests of these brides and other women requiring assistance. The question nf the status of the women's section would be discussed at the next meeting of the R.S.A. Dominion executive. After a short discussion, it was decided that the matter be left in the hands of the new committee tc be dealt with. Increased Subscription Mr. Meddings introduced a re--commendation by the executive to the last quarterly meeting of the branch, at which it was referred to the annual general meeting. The motion was as follows: — "That it be a recommendation from the executive committee, that the annual subscription be raised to twelve shillings and sixpence, for the purpose -of this assoeiation becoming a fully eontributing branch to the N.Z.R.S.A. Review." It was explained that Mr. Abel, of the Dominion executive;- had spoken on this subjeet at the last quarterly meeting. Mr. Lancaster informed the meeting that already half the associatiohs in New Zealand 'had decided to become fully eontributing members to the Review. He considered that every ex-service-man shouid contribute to the Review. it had been improved and was to be issued monthly as from July. If the motion were passed, every member would get the Review, but an increase of 2s. -6d would be made in the subscription. Iii replying to a suggestion tnat there shouid be a uniform subscription rate throughout New Zealand, Mr. Burdekin said that each branch had complete *■ control of its own affairs, and therefore a uniform subscription would Bave to

be agreed to by each branch. As conditions varied all over the country, the suggestion would be impracticable and perhaps unfair in some cases. The motion was then put to the meeting and was passed unanimously. t , I Miscellaneous Matters 1 It "was decided to send a letter of ! appreciation to Mr. W. Bull, thankiing him" for his" services as honorary auditor. A suggestion by Mr. Lancaster that in future the association shouid adopt the procedure of ireceiving nominations for the varijous offices before the general meetlings -was discussed at length. {Eventually, it was decided, on the j motion of Dr. Hunter, that a new jby-law covering the proposed cfcange be drawn up and presented |at the next quarterly meeting. It was generally agreed that an organisation of the size of the branch shouid bring its procedure into line with that in force in other similar bodies. Mr. Hair suggested that a musical section of the branch be iformed to provide entertainment at reunions and similar functions. It was decided to call for volunteers for the section, as well -as anyone who had the talent to provide 'entertainment at the reunion, which will be held on June 1.