RETURNED SOLDIERS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1929, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS

HOKITIKA BRANCH

Upwards of 50 ex-service men were •on parade yesterday. At the conclusion of the military parade, the men marched to the cemetery, where about 40 poppy wreaths were laid on the graves of fallen men, nurses and war workers. For the' return to town, Messrs Newman kindly placed cars at the disposal of the visiting party, and the men with the civic authorities, clergy and others were entertained at afternoon tea at the Soldiers’ Hall, Mrs R. J. Appleton being the hostess.

. At the close of the social function, the President (Mr Evans) asked Mr It. Paterson, lion, secretary of the local association, to read the annual report and balance sheet.

ANNUAL REPORT.

FOR THE YEAR FINDING 24th.

MARCH, 1929

It is with much pleasure that your Committee presents the Annual Report and Balance Sheet, which marks the completion of one of the most successful years financially in the history oi the Association.

The balance on hand is very gratifying and has lieen attained mainly from the revenue of the Hall which is proving a good asset to the Club, and certainly to the town. As soon.as your Committee can see its way clear, it intends to add further improvements to the building. During the year a Military Bnll was held proving an unqualified success, the Association benefiting to the extent of £l7 16s 9d. Appreciation is due to the Territorials, Senior Cadets and Ladies’ Committee for their efforts On the occasion.

Poppy Day—The sale of poppies for 1928 showed a substantial increase on :the previous year and your Association was enabled to hand over to ‘the Borough Council £3O which they subsidised, £ and. £ and found work' for unemployed returned soldiers.

Returns for this year are not yet complete but indications are that the sales will be larger. Thanks are due to Airs Perry and the assisting Girl Guides who organised the sales for the town, and also to the teachers of the various country schools wlio assisted in the selling throughout the districts. Anzac Day, 1928—The weather again was not too favourable. The annual service was held in the Princess Theatre, a departure from the usual custom on account of the vagaries of the weather. ’Hie change proved a success and the Theatre was packed despite the weather conditions. v

At the conclusion of the service about 30 men proceeded to the cemetery to place wreaths kindly made by lady supporters on the graves of deceased cortirades, afterwards adjourning

to the Hall where they were guests of the President at afternoon tea. .

Pensions—This is a subject in which individual cases can hardly lie mention, ed, but a number of returned soldiers have again had to be assisted in this inspect. If a,I ex-soldiers were fit men and not likely to break down in health there would not lie so much need ioi the Association to keep going.' However,- very few of even the apparently most fit, know what the future lias in store for them, and it is imperative that tho Association keen going' in order to be in a position to help those who do break down.

We are aiming at increasing oui membership and so far quite a numbei have answered the appe.n. War Graves—During the year two headstones has been erected bv- the Association on the graves of Sapper 1L 11. Brown and Private H. Sliand.

visiting Committee—During the month of April this year seven Returned Soldiers were transferred from Sunny.side Hospital to Seaview. Yom committee visited the men, taking supplies of tobacco and cigarettes. This was supplied to them previously in Christchurch by the Red Cross Society and we have written to the Society for a- grant to enable us to continue the same liberal allowances. So far no reply has come to hand, but the Association will look after the men’s needs meantime.

\Var Memorial—Thanks are due to the Borough Council and Beautifying Society for the excellent manner in which the War Memorial and surroundings have been looked after. We are greatly indebted to the Mayor and Councillors for their very liberal treatment and considerations with respect to rates etc.

In conclusion, the Association wishes to express appreciation for the great help so freely given by the President who never fails to champion the cause of anv distressed soldier.

For the Committee. R. PATERSON, Hon. Seciretary

The balance sheet showed the year commenced with a credit balance of £5 16s, and closed with a credit ol £lO3 2s 9d. The gross receipts were £199. The War Graves fund showed a credit balance of £5 17s 9d. Mr Ev ans moved the reception and adoption of the report and balance sheet, and thanked all who had assisted the Association. Mention was made of the good work done by Mr Paterson as Secretary. He urged the men to be associated in order to help their less fortunate comrades, and spoke of Avhat* had been done to assist families with pensions. Mr Hart seconded the motion which was carried.

The Mayor and Rev. Knowles-Smith congratulated the Association on what it had done and the creditable showing it had made, and hoped it would be possible to carry out the improvements to the building mentioned. A friendly and pleasant re-union closed with the singing of the National •Antheml