RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 22144, 26 September 1935, Page 12

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

SECRETARY VISITS CENTRAL OTAGO In a recent visit to Central Otago in the interests ot the Dunedin Returned Soldiers. Association, the secretary (Mr y. Ferens) found that greater interest than ever before is. being . taken by ex-servicemen in their organisation. In all the centres he visited he round the sub-associations or local, committees were zealously watching the "welfare or ex-soldiers, and that a great deal had fceen done to alleviate the lot of those who had suffered through the economic depression. Reunions of returned men, which were always largely attended m the country districts, were enthusiastic affairs, the men taking a delight in exchanging reminiscences ot their days of life in the Amy. _ At Ms*takanui, Isaseby, Oturehua, and Omakau Mr Ferens addressed meetings on the work of the association, and found a real and sympathetic interest being taken in its affairs, lie dealt generally with association matters, gave the meetings details ot tne Bill before Parliament to provide ior “burnt-out” war veterans, and explained the pension anomalies which the association was endeavouring to r r there was a particularly enthusiastic meeting, there being an attendance of over 50, many or whom came a long distance, and after Mr Ferens had addressed the gathering the annual meeting and reunion was held, toasts being honoured and vocal musical items provided. The- following office-bearers were elected; —President, Dr D. Scrymgeour; honorary secretary, Mr W. Harper; committee— Messrs F. Perkins (Oturehua), Or. Naylor, (Matakanm), M. 0 Brien (Lauder), J. Comgal (°pliir), lau Nicolson (Ida Valley), and F. Morgan (Becks and St, Bathans). Mr Ferens also visited Cromwell, Alexandra, Pembroke, and Queenstown, and in each place was cordially welcomed. New members were enrolled in each centre.