Returned Servicemen Hold August Meeting

Chronicle (Levin), 18 August 1948, Page 3

Returned Servicemen Hold August Meeting

The August meeting of the Shannon branch of the ' Returned ,Services' Association was held in, the Druids' , Hall on Saturday evening when the , president, Mr. B. Clayton, presided over some 35 members. This was considered one of the largest gatherings at a monthly meeting for some years. The secretary, Mr. E. J. Gunning, reported that the roll membership stood at. 246 being made up of 196 Shannon members and 50 from the Tokomaru sub-braiibh. Of this number 127 are second war members. Transfers into the locsCl branch were received from Messrs. J. D. Gribbon (Nelson) , L. G. Gibbons (Palmerston North) and G. Beer (Wellington). Mr. R. Grant was transferred from the local branch- to Upper Hutt. A welcome was extended to Messrs.- G. Beer and L.- McQuade, two new members. Some discussion regarding the allocation of State house units was entered 'into and it was noted fhat the State Advances Corporation had previously advised that fifty per cent. of the units at present under construction on the site at the come'r of Margaret and Ballance Streets would be allocated to • returned .servicemen, but no promise was . given that returned personnel would be allocated the first houses. -Mr. B. Clayton reported on his recent conversations at Palmerston North with the State Housing Department in reference to the same subject. After some discussion it was resolved that all present were satisfied with the present allocation. _ Mr. R. S. Downes, chairman of the entertainment committee, gave an outline of the activity. of his committee and gave an account of the arrangements so far made for the condueting of the posers, penalties and profits function. The proceeds from the function would go towards the supplying of food parcels to Britain. Mr. Dbwnes then invited the members to remain after the completion of business for the social which was to follow the meeting. "