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Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1930, Page 4

The enlarged Soldiers ’Hall, re-open-ing to-night, is something of which the town may bo proud. A reference to the building and its conveniences is made in another column, and it will be seen that from a utility point of view it should provide a very necessary adjunct to the social amenities of the town. The building is very centrally situated for public functions, and is particularly well found for the purposes its use calls for. The local branch of the R.S.A. is to be complimented on its enterprise in this matter for it has supplied a building which should be of special community value. Functions large and small will be possibe within its portals, and that this has been attained is creditable to all concerned. The local Committee has worked steadily and persistently in its self-imposed task to complete a If all Worthy of its purpose and interest. So valuable an asset is sure to give i greater stability to the returned sold- I iers’ movement. It is manifest in i many ways that it is in the interests of the men as a whole (together with that of their families) that they should associate to the fullest extent. Unity is strength, and it is necessary, to combine to secure the maintenance of fair consideration for themselves and dependents. The present time is very opportune to-Strengthen the local Club. The rehabilitation commission lias just reported to the Government, and Parliament will no doubt deal with the recoin mend at ions, The returned

moil should he fully united at this juncture, for there are many avenues for material help necessary in respect to men broken in health, and whose families are suffering. The Pensions’ Act, liberal as it is in many respects, has its limitations, and some extension of the principle of welfare and alter care is necessary to many ways outside what pension regulations permit. This is an essential reason for strengthening forces, and with the opportunity here now provided by a regular meeting place so well equipped, there is no reason why the Ilokitika branch of the Association should not become a very inliuential one. The receipts from the hall should be substantial, and with a common meeting place, district as well as town members should become actively associated for the benefit of themselves and conn rades.