SHANNON R.S.A.

Chronicle (Levin), 2 May 1947, Page 3

SHANNON R.S.A.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The annual general meeting of the Shannon branch of the Returned Services' Association was held in Laurvig's Hall recently. Mr. ,S. W. Barber occupied the chair and there were 30 members present. Apologies were received from four members who were unable to . be present. Mr. Barber extended a welcome to all present, including the presidnt and secretary' of the Tokomaru sub-branch, Messrs. R. Grey .and T. Kelly. The treasurer, Mr. V. J. Bateman, presented the balance sheet, which showed the branch to be in a sound financial position. On the motion of Mr. Barber the balance sheet was adopted. In presenting his report on the activities of the branch over the past year, Mr. Barber said that the records showed that out of the total membership 222 were financial, leaving a total of 11, who, through • a possible oversight, had not as yet renewed their subscriptions. Mr. Barber appealed to them, on behalf of their fellow members, to become financial at their earliest convenience. The 1946 Anzac parade was very well attended by both World War I and II men, over 160 being present. Referring to the Anzac dinner arranged by the Women's Institute, Mr. Barber said: "The dinner which was arranged by our

old friends and supporters, the Women's Institute, was beyond doubt one of the mdfet successful functions held to date, and - to that noble band of ladies I tender the sincere thanks of the branch. At the dinner the onportunity was taken to farewell ten local boys who were leaving to serve with JForce in Japan. Since that date two lots of parcels have been sent to these boys. "We regret that during the year we had to lose three of our strongest supporters, men who have given loyal assistance to the branch. I refer to Bill Behrens, and Frank Thurston, both having been past presidents of the R.S.A., and Clem Aislabie, who, although having never occupied the chair, was one of our best members. We all wish them every success and all the best in their retirement. Periodically, we learn that some of our boys are in hospital and when suppiies are available, our secretary sends tobacco and cigarettes to these unlucky chaps with our best wishes. "During the y,ear we were fortunate in having 'the district v'cepresident, Mr. H. B. Burdekin, attend one of our meetings, and he gave a very interesting address. tracing the growth of the R.S.A. from its i'nception to the present day. He also dealt with general and rehabilitation matters as concerned us today. "It was our pleasure during the year to hctid the final. welcome home to our returning servicemen. Relative to these functions we must acknowledge with appreciation the assistance received from the Women's Section of the R.S.A., the Women's Institute and to a few of our older members of the R.S.A., who have during tlm year given wonderful and loyal service. Two in particular I would like to thank are Messrs. Guerin and Quinlan for their services in the cookhouse. Also during the year invitations were received from the women's section to their birthday party and to the children's party, both of which I h$pe will be an annual event." Continuing his report, Mr. Barber pointed out that although the war was over, the job of sending parcels overseas still continued, the Shannon branch having been asked to send food parcels to ex-servicemen and their kin in Fifeshire, Scotland. Already 44 parcels had been kernt. This meant that the branch would need finance, and Mr. Barber asked that all members give their earnest consideration to making a sacrifice that the branch might help to brighten the lives of those who were paying a heavy penalty for peace. In concluding, Mr. Barber thanked the second war boys for their wonderful effort in organising and conducting a smoko for the older diggers. Mr. Barber extended his thanks to all those who had assisted him during the past year and made special mention of the secretary, Mr. E. J. Gunning, for his loyal support of the branch. The following officers were elected for the coming year:— Tresident: Mr. J. Ritchie; vicepresidents: Messrs. B- Clayton and C. Guerin; secretary: Mr. E. J. Gunning; treasurer: Mr. V. J. Bateman; auditor: Mr. J. T. Bovis; executive committee: Messrs. J. Ritchie, B. Clayton, C. Guerin, E. Gunning, V. Bateman, J. T. Bovis, R. S. Downes, R. Hook and D. Purcell; entertainment committee: Messrs. C. Guerin, O. Tippler, H. D. Aitchison, R. Quinlan, E. Veale, T. Newton, B. Clayton, N. Retter and D. Cole; liaison officer between the R.S.A; and the public of the district: Mr. T. S. Downes.