R.S.A. CANTEENS

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 15

R.S.A. CANTEENS

FOR N.Z. REGIMENTAL GAMPS Proposal by duhedih branch That the time was ripe for the establishment of canteens maintained by ft.B.A. units in the training camps to he opened throughout the Dominion for the volunteer forces was the opinion expressed by members of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association at the meeting last bight, and it was decided to approach the Dominion headquarters with a view to obtaining this objective. The president (Mr J. M. White) was.in the chair, the other members present being Messrs W. F. Forrester, G. H. Fereps, S.G.Scoular, A. Duncan, P,. R. Wilson, J. M‘Knight; arid R. Duerdori, and the secretary. (Mr 0. L. Ferens). It would bo a fitting time to approach the Nriw Zealand Returned Soldiers’ , Association with, a view to the erection by headquarters of cariteens at the various camps to be established in New Zealand, saitVMr Ferens. Canteens werri of great value in camps, and were much appreciated, by the men. Though permission might not be grarited by the Government, the scheme was well worth a trial. Profits would go to the various regiments on their return. If there was to be any board formed to deal with the matter the Returned Soldiers’ Association should have a big hand in it, he considered. Several members spoke on the canteens in the early part of the last war, when they had been run by commercial enterprises. It was considered that the experience of returned men would be invaluable in the running of such canteens for the immediate benefit of the regiments, and on their return from service. A motion that Dominion Headquarters bo requested to take some action in this matter on the lines he suggested was put forward by Air Ferens and carried. MEMBERSHIP. Five new nominations for membership were received, while there had been two inward transfers and live outward, and Uwo deaths, reported the chairman of the Finance Committee (Mr Forrester). Figures in the membership campaign now wore; Christchurch 2,524 and Dunedin 2,064, it was further reported. Members remarked upon the excellence of the iigures, the Secretary explaining that the international situation had made a difference. TENTATIVE DEBATING CONTEST. With a view to fostering debating among the various associations, the Secretary of the Christchurch R.S.A. Debating Club wrote asking if it would be possible to arrange for a team from Dunedin to meet his team on a date to be decided.—Referred to the Social Committee. CANTEEN FUNDS. Dominion , Headquarters wrote requesting details of the total adult population of the city, which would influence the allocation of canteen funds. GENERAL. It was pleasing to note that the New Zealand Institute for the Blind had benefited by £206 from collections at theatres (at which members had assisted) during the recent campaign in Dunedin, reported the secretary.