WAR RELIEF WORK

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 128, 16 June 1937, Page 3

WAR RELIEF WORK

Our Own Correspondent.

Activities . of Waipawa Branch

From

WAIPAWA, This Day. The annual general meeting of the Waipawa brancb of the War Relief Association, was held last eveningi, Mr C.^ G. E. Harker presiding, and there being only a small attendance of the public. In declaring the meeting open, Mr Harker said that apart from the Returned Soldiers' Association, and the returned men, the public generaily did not realise the excellent work that was being done by the War Relief Association. The Hawke's Bay War Relief Association could compare more than favourably with any in New Zealand. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Critchley congratulated the branch on the work that was being done, and the excellent position as disclosed by the balance-sheet. The policy of th© Hawke's Bay association in conserving its funds, and not dispersirig them in the early days as had been done by many associations, had completely justified itself by reason of the assistance which it had been possible to give in difficult times. Mr Critchley referred to the death recently of the general secretary, Mr H. J. Russell, who had held the position since the formation of the associat' 0 21 years ag|0. lh Was resolved that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to the widow. The committee was re-elected as iollows: — Messrs C. H. Critchley, G. H. Hunt, F. M. Tickner, C. E. T. Woods, and H. T. Limbrick. At a meeting of the committee held subsequently Mr Critchley was reappointed chairman. Tribute was paid to his long and efficient service in this office. The annual report read as follows: — The work of the branch has been carried on quietly and steadily during the past year. Meetings have been held regularly, and members of the committee have been faithful in attendance as in their careful consideration . of cases coming before them. Loan moneys continue to come back fairly well, in most cases men making a genuine effort to meet their obligations. The sum of £283 2/- was received from this source. Monetary assistance has had to be greatly curtailed, both in way of advances and temporary asssitance, but the association is still called on in various ways to assist men passing through the district. As the number of men registered at.the local Post Office is very small compared with other centres, the branch has not been eligible to participate in'grants made by the National War Funds Council during the paet year. The services of the branch have been availed of 'by applicants for pensions, and for grants from special funds, as well as 'assistance over periods of sickness. Members of the branch committee desire to thank Mr C. H. Critchley, who, as chairman of the branch committee and representative on the executive, has given service to the association over a long period of years, and ably put forward the claims of our branch and the returned men of our district.