RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2843, 7 August 1916, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS

N.Z. ASSOCIATION.

The conference of delegates which met on Friday, July 28, at the Returned Soldiers' Club, Wellington, rose on Tuesday la6t, after sitting morning, afternoon, and evening every day, with the exception of Sunday. Thirty delegates were present, representing approximately 2000 soldiers. The main business, according to a report supplied by the secretary, ivas the organisation and the finance of the association. The previous executive, under Captain Donald Simson, as president, reported that 15 branches ,had already formed. Tho subscription was raised to 10s. per annum, each member on joining to be issued-with .a badge free of cost. Those- members who have already joined will not be required to pay anything more, the subscription they have already paid-carrying them over the current year. ; It was decided that debentures should be issued to cover-the first year's expenses, while waiting-for the subscriptions 'to come in:.

The rules governing the ; association were carefully considered and then adopted, subject to being put iu order by the legal adviser. It was decided that the association be -registered under the Incorporated Societies Act. Many problems relating .to returned soldiers were discussed. Some of the points have already been laid before the Government. Branches of the association are now working with the, patriotic societies in the various centres, with excellent results, the. patriotic societies finding the recommendations of the association* of great assistance. ■ The following ■ officers . were elected :— President, Captain Pitt; vice-presidents, Mr. Dpuglas Seymour (Christchurch), Dr. M'Killop (Dunedin); executive committee, Messrs. Wild, Harper, and Cook (Wellington); Haycock (Palmerston North), King (Wanganui), M'Callum (Christchurch), Clark (Diimedin); general treasurer, Mr. Noell Broad; general secretary, Mr. C. W. Batten. Iu .thanking the delegates for the honour they had paid him in electing him president, Captain Pitt referred to the great work done by Captain Simson, and moved that an appreciation of the energy and devotion of Captain Simson to the cause of returned soldiers, and tribute to his work in. founding tho association, be placed on the'records of the association. The motion was carried with declamation. Captain Simson heartily Captain Pitt, who, he was sure, would worthily uphold the dignity of his office. His own movement? were uncertain, as 'ho intended leaving New Zealand at an early date to rejoin his regiment in England. He left the association ivith every confidence in its future, and when he did leave New Zealand he would always look back with pride to the association which he liad'formed. In conclusion, he wished tho association every success, and assured the delegates of his assistance 60 long as he remained in New Zealand. '