EX-SERVICEMEN

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1932, Page 3

EX-SERVICEMEN

HOKITIKA BRANCH OF R.S.A.

THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD

Tho annual meeting of the Hokitika Branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Soldiers’ Club Rooms, Hokitika last evening. In the absence of the president, (Mr D. J. Evans) owing to ill health, the vice-president (Mr A. C. Armstrong), presided. There were about thirtylive members present. Tli chairman expressed pleasure in seeing a large number of members present, which was an indication of the increasing interest fliat is being taken by members generally : in the affairs of the Association. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed.

ANNUAL REPORT. The executive recorded its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who assisted to make the work of the association successful during the past year, especially the iadies and those in town and country who assisted with Poppy Day sales, and other functions. The Anzac Day parade "’as held and the coulbined service took place in the Princess Theatre when approximately 50 returned men were on parade. Thu, was a substantial increase on previous years and showed that Anzac Day was -ti.l regarded as a day of rernemberanea After .laying wreaths on th memorials the cemetery was visited ami wreaths deposited on the"graves of .deceased soldiers, -nurses and war workers. Later the President entertainc the large assembly at afternoon ten a: the Soldiers’ 'Hall. The Poppy D-y sales for 1931 were ahead of the previous year and the amount available for the relief of unemployment show: •< slight increase. The Assori-f

membership stood at 65 active member and three hon. members, an increase o 20 per cent, on last year. Hokitika now stood 32nd. equal with Marton, on the membership ladder, out of ui total of 58 branches which was credifib’e considering the depression through which the country was passing. There •vas still room for improvement and a little enthusiasm among individual members should -see Hokitika climb till higher -before March, 1933. The growth of membership had been general hroughout the Dominion, headquarters return for March showing an increase of 12 per cent, for the year and in in:rease of 91 per cent, since 1927.

Two cases were before the Pensions Appeal Board and thanks were due to Mi- Willcox, Christchurch secretary, who appeared as advocate on each occasion, and, although not successful, did his utmost for the applicants. Through the courtesy of the Red C'oss Society mental patients were supplied with weekly issues of cigarettes, tobacco, or biscuits and sweets which were greatly appreciated. The executive visited these men at Christinas, giving each man a small gift. One was. discharged on probation during the year, and was residing in Auckland, and the 'ssoeiation was keeping in touch with him -through the Auckland R.S.A. The ir.nual re-union was held pi July 3rd

ud again proved'a successful and eu-* ioyable gathering. The annual con tor-e-ice was held in Wellington in June, j 1131, the Association being representsi >y Mr W. E. Brown. The Christmas Tree Party given to ex-service mens liildren was an innovation and an unqualified succes-, although numerous

. ildnen were unable to attend on account of flooded rivers, etc. During the year the 'lease of the -Association's section was completed. The frontage of the Hall was concreted during the year giving it a clean and imposing • ppearance. Several minor repa.rs art improvements had been carried out and a hew copper and crockery purchased. The Hall with its appointments was now in first class order and being freely used-

As an outcome of the Lonfereive held at Flock House in February, the trustees had made the Flock House training available to the sous of returned soldiers. The cost of training

>ucli 'hoy was ■£sU j of which the Cavern ment was prepared to grant a £ for £ subsidy providing the balance "'a: found bv Returned Soldiers’ Associations, Patriotic Societies or other in crested bodies. WcsFanil’s quota wa.one hoy and while they are able p find the necessary finance the difficulty was to find a hoy of the eligible' age. 11' to 161 years. .Anv intending nj>plicants were requested to communicate wi :h the secretary, who could give any particulars \required.

Tin* finances of the Association wore in a very sound position. By organising several dances and euchre tournaments during the season a .substantial sum was realised. The second instalment and interest wa- paid off the £250 loan, leaving £l5O of the loan to !„. redeemed over a period of three years. Willi the dancing season at

hr,ml, and the Hall freely hooked they could with confidence look forward to

■mother successful year financially. Padre Knowles-Smith had been tiansferred to Wood vi lie and while tlr-y -I'.ssed his m si Ranee, tbqy. wi-hed him every success in his new parish. Hoad >io!i!’s had now been erected on all ' oldiers' graves in )•''(' cemetery end the plots had he t .n kept in order during the year. The War Memorial at' 1 roundings had I kepi in oxre'hmt oiler during the year and thanks were hie )n Hi" I’ki-duizli fVn’M'il aed It'.'Si 11 ‘ i lying Society for .their care, and alion. They were greatly indebted |o • . v i. -ii.'l ifiiinc'll'ir;' ill** School Board for 'their lih f ra| iront- , u mill concessions "idi rc:.|. -c; •Ites. e'fc. The executive wished ■ xpres - its hearty nppreciat ion of T Hi vic&s lftiidared by the president a:td

to thank all members for their loyal support' during the year. The problem of unemployment caused grave concern during me year. Ut the money available for unemployment, £4O was handed to the Borough Council, and £25 to the County Council, but owing to the financial depression the Borough Council were unable to subsidise any grants and the executive decided to offer further grants as they comei available for private -subsidy at 6s 3d per day. The Association had a ready response from a generous public which enabled the money to go twice as far and much needed relief to be extended. Besides the poppy money, Canteen funds and the Nat’onal War Funds grants, the National War Funds Council, through the local Patriotic Society, made the sum of £4O available for the -relief of unemployed ex-service men in the country. Approximately fifty-four men in the Borough and County were assisted in this mannei, £92 being paid to Borough men, of which £42 carried the subsidy, arc] £65 to County, men, this being subsidised £ for £. In afll, approximately £240 was .received in wages by unemployed 'ex-servioe men, and on the figures is would he seen that the Hokitika Association justified its existence and was worthy of the support of every ex-serviceman in the district. The annual report and balance sheet was adopted. Congratulatory references were mad e by various members to the healthy position of the finances of the Association, and to its activities during the year, ! particularly in reference to the raising funds for the purpose of assisting unemployed returned soldiers. A hearty vote.of thanks was accorded to the outgoing committee. Calling for nominations for the position of president, the chairman apoligised for the , absence of Mr Evans who was confined to his home through illness at the same time stating that, acting upon medical advice, Mr Evans reluctantly, but very definitely intimated tliat he would not be available for nomination again this term. The chairman made very eulogistic reference to the work of Mr Evans, and moved that a letter of appreciation be sent him, thanking him for his untiling efforts in connection with all matters of concern to Returned FHchm-s. and expressing the sincere wish that lie would soon again be restored to his usual health.

Several members spoke feelingly of the great service Mr Evans had performed in the interests of the R.S.A.. and general sympathy was expressed at his present indisposition. In view of his desire to have "a rest from his activities in the-Association it was decided to elect Mr Evans patron, and a life member of the Hokitika branch.

The following officers were appointed President, Mr A. C. Armstrong; vice-president, Mr W. E. Brown ; secretary and treasurer. Mr R. Paterson ; committee —Messrs G. A. King, 0. Hart, -T. Cooper. J. L. Menzies, G. Gilchrist, C. Bleach, T. Lynch, R. Appleton T. Stuart, and E. Eeade; lion, auditor. Mr J. Peak. The usual liororarium was voted to the secretary and a special vote of thanks was accorded him for his splendid work during the year. Mr Paterson suitably replied and referred to some of the difficulties entailed in the equitable distribution of work among the unemployed returned men. He also dealt with various matters of interest to the R.S.A. and urged those present to make efforts to enrol new members. After further discussion on various matters to be brought up at the conference, the meeting adjourned for a social hour end tho singing of the National Anthem terminated the meeting.