RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1924, Page 1

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

> HOKITIKA BRANCH. A general meeting of members was - field at the Soldiers’ Hall last evening. Mr D. J. Evans (President) presided, and there were present, Messrs ' Cut-bush,' Stuart, Moore, Paterson, Shand, Bain, Gardner, Delbridge, Richardson, Caldwell and Kerr (lion, sec.) r l ho meeting discussed proposals from a committee meeting relative to organising a campaign for funds to complete the building and .equip the Club j rooms. The proposals were generally approved. It was* resolved to set up" a Social Committee to take charge of the monthI ly social dances and the weekly cuclire evenings. The following were elected to the Social Committee : —Messrs Cutbush, Shand, Bain, Paterson and Lynch. It was stated the next monthly dance would he on Saturday, March 29th., the committee to take charge °t the function. It was also resolved that the euchre evenings bo hold weekly on Thursday night, commencing on April 3. A euchre tournament for aggregate prizes will open on May 1. The suggestion to hold a monster bazaar and novelty entertainment in [he Soldiers’ Hall, commencing on Monday, June 30th., was approved, and it was decided to call a meeting of ladies willing to assist for next Tuesday night at 7.39 o’clock at tlio hall. A letter was received from the R.S. A. Atinstrels forwarding £0 balance from Country concerts, and stating the troupe would he reorganised at a meeting to bo held next Tuesday, when tlio Company would be glad to assist further. The letter was received with thanks, and tlio past valuable support from the Minstrels acknowledged with a special vote of appreciation. The Secretary reported that with the payment of accounts there would be a credit balance of about £3O. The financial year closed on the 31st. inst. It was decided as soon as convenient next month to submit a balance sheet, and call the annual meeting of members lor the election of officers and general committee. The question of hon civilian members, and co-operation in assisting with the building fund belli iiy icturncd mou and civilians will bo considered at the annual meeting.

A member referred to the fact that some of the soldiers’ graves at the cemetery were in need of a little attention. A working beo over the- weekend was decided upon to place the graves in order. 'lke Chairman mentioned that Anzae Day fell on Friday in Easter week this year. It was resolved to co-operate with the local authorities in any commemoration service. It was decided also to ask the Mayoress to arrango a ladies’ committee for the sale of poppies

about Anzae anniversary for the purpose of raising funds to assist in providing employment through the locfii bodies for unemployed ox-soldiers. Some applications for the hall for socials and (lances were agreed to. The Bowling Club booked the hull for June 3rd. It'was resolved to hold the usual race night, dance in aid of the funds on 23rd. prox., and to Jet the hall to the Cycling Club for a dance the pievious evening. Air Bonetti applied for the hall on Wednesday nights over an extended season. It was agreed to let the li.'ill, subject to the lia|| not being required on Wednesdays for any special or regular gatherings. Tile charges for the lmll were readjusted in the ease of special functions for isolated evenings, a slight increase ’being made in the rental. Discussing the building scheme, it was stated about £I,OOO would require to be raised for the purpose, those present evinced considerable interest in the project, and it was thought much outside help would he foitheomiug. The club rooms would provide a useful and necessary meeting place, and he a useful institution for the benefit of the town, as affording club room facilities for the male population which have boon a long felt want here. Tile meeting concluded at 9.30 o’clock. I