SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 153, 9 October 1919, Page 2

SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION

Matamata Branch Formed A meeting of returned soldiers, called mainly for the purpose of forming a branch of the N.Z. Returned Soldiers’ Association, was held in the Farmers’ Hall on Monday evening. Major H. J. Moore-Jones presided over an attendance of about 40 members. Correspondence was read from the New Zealand executive, which was merely letters of instruction in the mode of procedure to be adopted. It was unanimously decided to form a Matamata branch of the Association; but the matter of affiliation was deferred until a definite number of names had been secured. Major Moore-Jones was appointed president, Corp. C. G. Payne vice-president, and Sergt. G. G. Bell treasurer. Fifteen nominations were received for the nine positions on the committee. Messrs F. H. Hosking, B. Blennerhassett, B. Barugh, J. Cummings, S. Stockdale, S. Harding, F. Rose, T. Davies, and C. Casey wei'e elected a committee. It was decided that the subscription to the local branch be 10s i to March 31st next.

Several members spoke in favor of holding re-unions, and it was decided that a social be held shortly, with a smoke concert later. It was considered that the boys owed it to the ladies of the district to organise a social. At a subsequent meeting of the executive Mr B. Barugh was appointed secretary pro tern.