E.S.A

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 115, 13 April 1940, Page 5

E.S.A

ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. The president af the Fcilding R.S.A. (Air B. AlcLcod) reviewing events in his annual report, states: “That war is with us again is not a subject coming within the scope of this report except for me to say that it achieved one end—that of reawakening in the minds of many ex-servicemen the duty they owed the R.S.A. and through the association the younger generation now proceeding overseas to take up the same job that we left off over 20 years ago. Immediately following the outbreak ol war the association co-operated to the full with every move that emanated from New Zealand R.S.A. headquarters and also with all local meetings and efforts made locally. A branch of the National Reserve, Class 2, was formed in Fcilding, while already some of our members have again donned khaki and are serving with the Forces in one sphere or another. In patriotic matters members of the association gave yeoman service throughout the Fcilding district and for their work in this and other directions the Mayor of Fcilding (Mr T. L. Scddon) has publicly expressed his grateful thanks on more than one occasion. Tho balancesheet again reveals evidence of careful control and management, the year commencing with a credit of £365 16s 2d and ending with a credit of £462 9s Id. A further new record was set for Poppy Day, 1939, the total receipts from the sale of tho red emblem being £ll4. Wit li such tangible public evidence of the recognition that this day meets with, wc look forward this year to still further increasing our sales and so adding to the funds available for the help of distressed men and their families. Expenditure for relief increased this year compared to the previous period, tho sum of nearly £6O being spent in helping cases of necessity. Associated with our relief work has been that of the local Patriotic Advisory Committee, this body continuing to do its good work of helping returned men out of their difficulties. In another branch of our relief operations has been that of pensions, several cases having been dealt with during the year and tho necessary recognition gained from the responsible authorities. The reports recalls the various gatherings held, and adds: I cannot too strongly impress on every member of our association that our Anzac Day parade is unique among all associations in New Zealand and it is plainly the duty of every member to attend and by this means endeavour to show his appreciation of all that is done for him by tho Ladies’ Anzac Luncheon Committee. Our membership returns showed a decrease of threo since last year, the numbers being 250 and 247 respectively. Of these, 221 were from Fcilding, against 218 last year, and 26 from Tlalcomhe, compared' with 32 last year. r l liesc figures are not nearly high enough for a district ot this size and I again commend to every member the duty of securing at least onenew member this year. "WeregTOt to record the passing of Messrs AA illiam Lumsden and Arthur Loan ”