National Service League.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 7 January 1916, Page 3

National Service League.

Sir, —I beg to enclose brief particulars of the work to be undertaken by the League. Will you kindly make the same known May I ask any members of the community (ladies or gentlemen) who would like to take an active part, or become patrons of the league to communicate with me at once. The need to start our work quickly is becoming more urgent every day.—l am etc, F. NORRIS, Organiser Explanation of the work to be undertaken, briefly is : To help every man that has answered the Empire’s call. It will be composed of two sections (No. 1 and No. 2).

NO. 1 SECTlON—Members will be any that have enlisted, tried to enlist and failed, and those who have seen active service for the British Empire. A registered and numbered badge will be issued to all members and a register kept of same. This badge can be recalled by the League. Members will be asked to join Soldiers’ Clubs, Friendly Societies, Sports Clubs, or any Social Clubs so that they can meet their comrades in civil life.

They will be asked not to accept liquor paid for by others, especially strangers, also to give preference to Empire goods for four years. Entrance fee will be five shillings per member (nurses free). This money without any deductions will be handed to an orphanage for the express purpose of assisting children of fallen soldiers only. NO. 2 SECTION. —Members will be any one that will promise to do any kind action, however small, to the members of No 1 Section and also to give preference to Empire goods for four years certain.

A special badge will be given so that the members of No 1 Section may know those who are taking an interest in them.

Members will be asked not to treat returned men to liquor or give them money, but rather take them to their own bank, i.e., or the local patriotic society. Tact will be asked in conversing with returned men, leaving war news alone, unless they mention it, many we know will not wish to recall their experiences. Members will be asked to invite members of No. 1 Section to social gatherings, picnics, sports, boating, shooting, or any healthy sport or outing ; more especially to invite them to their own homes, giving them the place of honour at all times, and help them to work in their work and business. Members fees will be 20s for the four years, or it can be paid at the rate of 5s per annum. Boy Scouts Is per annum, nurses free (but if they insist on paying their fees, the money to be given to our orphanage fund) The league will issue founders shares of £1 each, to start the movement, and if well supported will engage a special staff to look into and try to rectify any complaints a returned member has, who thinks he has been unjustly treated. Secreraries of Patriotic Societies and kindred workers will be entitled to ask this department to investigate any complaints made against them. Should any disabled returned soldier start or be helped into business by any patriotic Society or recommended by them to the League, a special sign will be issued by the League, and sent free of charge to him, and the National Service League will ask for the patronge of all our members to give him a good start. Parents, wives, or the returned men themselves (being members) can ask the League to place on record and acknowledge any special kindness shown td their dear ones or themselves in any part the world. Some special token will be given to the children born prior to the signing of peace terms, whose fathers have enlisted for the present European War. The League will keep in touch with all members through the post. Should the League terminate at the end of four years all moneys in hand will be given to our Orphanage Fund. Bankers: Bank of New Zealand. Temporary Hon Treasurer: Myers Caselberg, Esq., Masterton. Organiser: F. Norri 3, Masterton.