MEETING OF RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1978, 17 May 1919, Page 3

MEETING OF RETURNED SOLDIERS.

A CLUB TO BE FORMED,

The.meeting of returned soldiers, convened by the Patriotic Society, and held last night, was attended by about 30 returned soldiers. Air F. S. Moorhousc was voted , x to the cjiair.

At the request of the Chairman, Air Kellow, secretary of the Patriotic Society, explained that the, meeting had been called for the purpose of electing two representatives of the returned soldiers on the Executive of the Patriotic Society; to discuss the question of forming a branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association locally; to discuss the advisability of erecting a returned soldiers’ club-room in Foxton, and to discuss any other matters of interest to returned soldiers. In reference to electing tw r o members .on the Patriotic Society Executive, Air Kellow said that the Returned Soldiers had had Die right to do this for twelve months past, but bad not availed themselves of it, and the Society thought it wise to call a meeting so that the returned soldiers could appoint their representatives. The reason (he Patriotic Society was formed was to raise money to assist and help in other directions all returned men who were in need of assistance. There was money in hand to he disbursed, and by having the returned soldiers directly represented on the Executive they would be able to bring before the Society eases that needed assistance, and would be a link between the Society and the returned men. lie invited those present to freely discuss the proposal, and if (hey had any grievances to bring them forward so that if any explanations were necessary they would be furthcoming. In reply to a question by Air 11. Hamer, Air Kellow said that the two representatives to be elected would have the same rights and powers as other members of the Patriotic Society Executive. The Chairman said he thought it

was a splendid idea to have two representatives on the Executive. 1 This would go u long way towards "w*solving the dillicully that at present existed of Hie Patriotic Society gelling into touch with men needing assistance. There were no doubt a lot of deserving cases where the men concerned would not apply for assistance —(hoy Avere too proud to do it —but Avith representation on the Executive, the returned soldiers delegates would be able to bring these cases under the notice of the Society. In disbursing (be funds of Hie Society (be Executive should r look abend, and bear in mind Hud in ten or fifteen years’ time there

would still possibly be need for asJ sistance for some returned men. If ’ all the money were spent in Hie near future they would possibly regret it later on. The following nominal ion.-, Avere received for the positions of Iwo represent a lives on the Patriotic

Society Executive: Messrs J. -Thompson, S. Barber, E. Tunnielifl’e, IT. Hamer, Cottingbam, 11. Podmorc, and East. On a ballot being taken, Messrs J. Thompson and 11. Podmorc were deeded. The question of (be erection of a club-room in Buxton was discussed at some length. Mr Moorhouse said that the Soldiers’ Club in Palmerston North was a splendid institution, and if something on similar lines could lie obtained in Eoxton it, would be a boon to Hie returned men. A big effort should jie made to get a (dub here. No doubt a large sum of money could he obtained by making a special effort. Mr Kellow said that the Patriotic Society would do all it could to help the returned soldiers in getting a club-room in Eoxton. In reply to a question, Mr Kellow said Hie funds of the Society could not bo used for this purpose. The money was raised for the assistance of suck and wounded soldiers, and could not he expended in any other direction. The Society, however, would he only too willing to assist in any effort to raise funds for the erection of a club-room. After some further discussion it was decided on the motion of [Messrs Tunnieliffe and Thompson, that a Soldiers’ Club he formed in Eoxton, and that a committee of six, including a secretary, he elected to draft rules,etc., and make suggestions as to methods of raising the necessary money, and submit a report.at a meeting to I>c convened later. The following committee was set Up: —Messrs Mowatt, Betty, Martin, Barber, Cronqnest, and Tnnnicliffe (secretary). There was an informal discussion as to methods of raising the necessary money, the opinion being expressed that no doubt Hie public would be only too willing to assist by cash donations and help in any special effort that was put in motion with this object. Mr W. E. Barber suggested the holding of a monster carnival and sports meeting. The Chairman moved a very vote of thanks, to the Secretary and members of the Eoxton Patriotic Society for arranging the

meeting of returned soldiers, and for attending it and explaining the objects. He said he was sure the Society would do all in its power

to help the relumed soldiers, and

. said they were fortunate in having a .Society with such enthusiastic members at its head. The motion was seconded by Mr Betty, and carried by acclamation. The Rev. Mr Raine, president of the Patriotic Society, thanked the meeting for their expression of appreciation, and assured them that

the Society wanted to assist the returned soldiers in every way they could. They wanted to see more co-operation between the returned men and the Patriotic Society. If they had any complaints, he asked" them to bring them before the Society, and he assured them they would be met with every consideration and sympathy. In connection with the proposed club, he asked them to consider the question of throwing same open to civilian members. This had been found necessary in other places. Mr Kellow asked that if any returned soldier knew' of a case requiring assistance, that ’he report same to their representatives on the Society, so that immediate consideration could be given to same.

The Chairman said the returned soldiers were very fortunate indeed in having men like Air Raine to look after their interests. The question of throwing the Club open to civilian members was a matter they would seriously consider.

A vote of thanks to the chair’ concluded the meeting.