EX-SERVICEMEN

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1933, Page 4

EX-SERVICEMEN

NEW SUB-BRANCH AT KUMARA.

VISIT OF HOKITIKA EXECUTIVE

A meeting of Ex-Servicemen was held in the Memorial Hall, at Kumara. or. Monday evening, when about twenty men were present. The business of the evening was to receive a deputation of the executive of the Hokitika branch, who were desirious of forming a sub-branch of the Association in Kumara.

The Rev. Mr Hamilton wag voted to the chair, and Mr L. Dcwe was appointed secretary pro tern.

The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and extended a welcome to the president and members 'of the executive of the Hokitika branch, and asked them to sot forth their, proposals in connection with the formation of a branch at Kumara.

The secretary read a lengthy list of ex-servicemen in, and around Kumara who had expressed their willingness to join up, and also apologised for a number of absentees.

Air W. E. Brown (presklent of the Hokitika, branch) then addressed the meeting, outlining the aims and objects of the N.Z.R.S.A., and dealt principally with the national aspect of problems of material interest to all ex-sokl’ers. He stressed the pressing need of organised effort in safeguarding 'and assisting the welfare of all returned men, particularly those whom the depression has reduced to very straitened circumstances.

Mr T?. Paterson (secretary of the Ho* kitika branch), then outlined the position of the branch, and gave detail* cf the financial aspect, also a detailed description of its activities.

Mess"s A. G. Armstrong. J. L. MenHes, Thornhill Cooper. O. Hart, T. ,Stuart. G. Kinm and S. Moore, members of the Hokitika executive, also summarised the necessity for organisation among the ex-soldiers, and generally made out a good ease for the formation of a sub-branch in Kumara. After some ouestion.s were asked, particularly referring to war pensions medical treatment, canteen funds, etc., the meeting unanimously decided to loin up and to form a Kumara subbranch of the Hokitika R.S.A. ■'

The following officers were appointed President, Rev. Mr Hamilton ; vice-president, Mir ‘,A. Wicks; lion, secretary. Air L. Dewe; conmrttee, Afess’’s AfoLaughlan, G. Anderson. L. W. Bassett. R. Rogers, M. Alitchell, W. Inglis and, J. A. Peever. It was decided that the night of. meeting be the first Monday in . the month, in the Fire Brigade room, and that the membership fee . be five shillings per annum. The newly appointed secretary reported that some fortv ex-i soldiers had intimated their desire to become members of the sub-branch—-a very healthy indication that the subbranch will have a useful and prosperous future. Before concluding the chairman thanked the president and members of fbe Hokitika branch for their interest, and. for their assistance in journeying to Kumara to help the formation of the sub-branch. He also lrtoved a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr L.. Dewe for his energy and enthusiasm in getting the men together and for calling the meeting that evening. The president and Mr Dewe briefly replied and the meeting adjourned to spend a, social hour where the usual toasts, appropriate to the occasion were honoured. Ahearty invitation was extended to all present to attend the annual re-union of ex-sovmcemen to be held in Hokitika next Friday evening.