HOMESERVICEMEN SHOW LITTLE INTEREST

Chronicle (Levin), 1 June 1946, Page 4

HOMESERVICEMEN SHOW LITTLE INTEREST

ANNUAL lyfiEETfNG' OF LEVIN . BRANGH There was an aittendance of only twenty-fofir' at the' annual meeting of the Levin branch of the Homeservicemen's Association on Thursday night. Such; a* sma'll' ga-thering from a membership of about 1'15 in Levin itself shows- a deplorable lack of interest on the part of homeservicemen in their- brgani§ation. The president (Mr. J. A. Zuppicich) occupied the chair and welcomed thOse present, especially' mention-c ing- a party of members of the Shannon sub-branch. The P'ast Year's Work / \ In reviewing the year just closed, the president said it had been one of ups and downs, but taken over all it had proved- quite suceessful. At the outset it had been deeided to form a social committee and its efforts to promote the welfare of the branch had been , outstanding. Its work had virt'ually been uhe mainstay of the branch, and if more could be done along that line ih the coihing year he thouglit une branch would be strengthened. The membership now stood at 1*54, continued Mr. Zuppicich, wmch included the sub-branches at Otaki and Shannon. During the year fmir valuable members had been

lost for various reasons, namely, Messrs. F. A. S. Clarke, J. J. McLean, M. H. Boyce and R. A. Beattie. The annual re-union had been held and noteworthy success had attended it. The branch was^now a strong country one, with a sound financial position. In conclusion, Mr. Zuppicich paid tribute to the work of the executive during ■ the year and also the secretary (Mr. C. D. Melville)". He said Mr. Melville had given a great deal of time to the branch's affai-rs, and it was smgularly foftunate in having one so capable and with the interests of the branch so much at heart.

The financial statement . was presented by the treasu-rer (Mr. J. F. Lewington). It showed that the year had commenced with a credit balanc'e of £12 15s 7d and this had been increased to £49 10s 4d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted by the meeting, the financial position being the sfibject of favourable commen-t.

Officers Electea The election of officers for the ©nsuing year was then j)roceeded with and resulted as- foiiows: — President*: Mr. H. A. Fenn; vicepresident: Mr. J. C. Parsons; honorary secretary: Mr. C. D. Melville; honorary treasurer: Mr. J. F. Lewington; executive: Messrs. G. H. Kerslake, P. Dukes, R. Fowler; W. W. Leach and K. Alderson; honorary auditor:,Mr. G. H. Sorenson. General Matters There was some discussion over the setting up of a social committee, a suggestion being made that the assistance of members' wives be co-opted. Finally the formation of the committee was left* to tlie oxGcutive The Levin R.S.A. wrote expfessihg appreciation of the branch's donation of £30 to its memorial hall appeal. The letter said that the interest taken in the hall project by homeservicemen was indicative of the close eo-operation and good relations existing between the two j associations. j A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the honorary auditor i (Mr. G. H. Sorenson) for his ser1 vices. j Mr. A. S. B. Wilkinson, treasurer of the Shannon sub-branch, pre- ! sented a statement of- its finances. i This showed a credit balance of £20 ! 19s at the end of the year's working. The sub-branch now had about 25 members. The chairman i congratulated the sub-branch- on the success of its work. j Recognition was made of the ! excellent service rendered by the ! secretary (Mr. Melville) ih -an honjorarium of £5 5s graiited' tb " .ffimi j At the conclusiqn of the 'busihess supper was dispensed before the meeting terminated.