RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2098, 4 March 1920, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Afurther meeting‘of local and district returned .soldiers was held in the Council Chamber last to consider the • finest ion ■ of forming a >ul)-Associnlion of the Palmerston North K.S.A. Air McDonald occupied' the chair, and extended a welcome to the Palmerston delegates, Messrs Jacobs, Kutherfurd,Lieut. Gilray, M. Haycock and Captain Hawkins, district organiser. The chairman said he keenly regretled the somewhat meagre attendance. Ho had done what he could to get into touch with all returned men, and it was hard- to -understand such indifference to their interests. He said at the previous meeting it was decided to hold over I he f ormation of a local association nntd this meeting, Mr Ivnlherfurd said that in the formation of (he branch it was not always numbers that counted, hut the enthusiasm of Ihe few. There were always initial diltieulties to overcome. The effect of the Association was to benefit all returned men'and their dependants, and those who kept the machinery .together were entitled to the hearty support, and co-operation of every returned soldier. It was a ease of each for all, and he present would set up a committee and form a sub-association or association of their own locally. Mr Jacobs, President of (he Palmerslon Association, said (lie delegates.did not desire to deprive local reiurncd men-of any of their rights and privileges, hut rut her to create an interest in the Association’s welfare. If they were strong enough to form ' a separate association, every assistance would he given, hut this would eiilail a good deal of work and expenditure; Avhereas by forming a branch of the Palmerston body ibis would he avoided ami would si rcuglhen Ilnur position. In oilier districts these branches arc a success. All (hey desired Dmlo was to infuse interest in the Association and get every returned man linked up. Indifference would lead to disaster. There was much to do on behalf of all concerned, and he asked I hat every man should evince an interest in (he Association. He,referred to the* beneficial legislation that had been passed as the result: of the Association's efforts, and there was vcl much to do.

Captain Hawkins urged a continuation of the spirit of comradeship (hat eharaelerisAd the men at the front. He explained what had been done by similar brandies in other parts. He Ibought. (he wisest course would lie for local men to form a. branch of Hie Palmerston Association, and later on if thought necessary, to form a separate association of their,own. lie would be pleased to come to Fox ton •and "el into touch with all local returned men and give them what assistance he could. ■ Mr .Jacobs introduced Mr Daniell to (hose presenf, and (.he latter spoke interestingly of what had been done in the Wairarapa. lie urged the formation of a local branch, either of the I’ahilerston or Wellington .Associations. He would be pleased to render what assistance lie could. The Chairman said it would bp impossible to form a separate association locally. If a branch were formed loeallv it would carry representation on (he parent body, and matters requiring attention could be dealt with expeditiously. Mi 1 Hines moved that a branch of the Palmerston Association ho formed locally. In doing so he paid a line tribute to the work of the Palmerston Association in the interests of Returned Soldiers, The motion was seconded by Air Thompson, and carried unanimously. Tin l following provisional committee was set up: Messrs McDonald, C. Quarterman, S. Hudson, Daniell, fline and Thompson. Captain Hawkins, the organiser, agreed to visit Foxton for (wo days as from Monday' next, and get into touch with all relumed mem. The Chairman thanked the delegates for their atlendanee and the assist a nee they had rendered, and Mi’ Haycock responded. Before the (dose of Hhe meeting, Air Jacobs, delivered a very interesting and instructive address on Repatriation, which will he referred to in a subsequent issue.