EX-SERVICEMEN

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1932, Page 4

EX-SERVICEMEN

HOKITIKA BRANCH OF R.S.A

TJHEi 'MONTHLY MEETING HELD

The monthly meeting of the executive of the Hokitika branch of the Returned iSoidiers’ Association wa|3 held in the Club Rooms last evening. Present: A. C. Armstrong (president), R. Paterson •(secretary), W. R. Brown, T. Cooper, J. L. Menzies, T. Lynch, C. 'Hart, R. Appleton, O. Bleach, G, King and G. Gilchrist.

Tlhe previous minutes were tread and confirmed and ‘the outward correspondence was approved.

£he president extended a welcome tt» tin, two newly elected members the committee, Mr Cooper nud Mv King, and esprewsed the opinion that they would be of material assistance in carrying ou the: affair 3 of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, bo’:h of whom suitably replied. A great deal of inward correspondence was dea.lt with, the principal items of interest 'being the remits for the forthcoming conference and the Flock House scheme.

The secretary was appointed to attend 'the annual conference at Wclrington on June 28th and 29th. All the remiv were discussed and in most cases the delegate was given a free hand to take whatever action he considered to be in the interests of the members generrtVy. v In connection with the Flock House scheme, advice was received that it ■had been decided to reduce the «ge of entrants to 13 years and extend the age limit to 19 years. 'lt was ktated that this action was taken owing to the difficulty experienced in getting sufficient boys of the age at first to launch the scheme successful}. Tj ;e necessary finance had been arranged and it was decided to advertise for the son of any New Zealand exsoldier who wished to avail himself of the present- opportunity of undergoing an eight months’ course in farm training. In the case of boys of 13 years, it wpis essential that the applicant be physically sound, and to have passed the sixth standard. In respect of the older boys it was required that they must be amenable to discipline and that they must not smoke, these two conditions to be strictly enforced. A motion of condolence was passed with the widow and family of the late Mr IV. Smith of Ross. It was also decided to send a letter of sympathy to the Rosp sub-branch in the loss of one of their members.

Sympathetic reference was made regarding the loss by fire the buildings of the Wellington Branch of the IR.S.A. and St was decided to write them conveying 'the sentiments expressed . It was 'Suggested that some assistance could be given to the Unemployed Pallet' Depot and it was decided to hold a euelir e tournament, at -a date to be decided on, the proceeds to be devoted '-o this purpose. .Special efforts wou.d be made to make tihe tournament a gieat success. The secretary reported on tbs financial position of the AFV-ociatum, and it ') !VS decided that. £SO be paid oIY the existing debt of the Hall. In this connection reference was made to the provisions of the Natic al 'Expenditure Adjustment Aet, and to the remission of the rate of interest on the existing debviItiro'. It was finally deeided that, no alterations would e requested on the exist Lug contracts.

The Military Ball was penci’bd for August 17th, and the fixing of the date