EX-SERVICEMEN MEET.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 346, 10 July 1930, Page 1

EX-SERVICEMEN MEET.

MATAMATA BRANCH. An Enthusiastic Gathering. In an atmosphere typical in many ways of old times, some fifty exservicemen assembled in the Presbyterian Hall, Matamata, on Thursday for the inaugural meeting of the resuscitated branch of the New Zealand Returned Soldeirs’ Association. Throughout the evening a thick blue haze, caused by the many devotees to My Lady Nicotine, hung over the heads of the audience, while the spirit of camaraderie in

evidence in all the discussions exemplified that bond which was born in the mud of Flanders and elsewhere. The chair was taken by Mr. G. G. Bell, convenor of the meeting, while Mr. C. E. Mclntyre acted as secretary.

Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs. Marshall (Okauia), Barry (Matamata), Kernot (Hinuera), S. Harding (Tu-ranga-o-moana), N. Griffiths (Hinuera), K. McDermott, J. R. O. Lochhead and C. D. Brown (Putaruru) and Rev. A. C. Hampton (Matamata) . In opening the proceedings, which were enthusiastic throughout, Mr. Bell stated that there was a lot of work in front of the association, which, if- given a good start, would mot die a natural death. Though there might be few cases of real distress locally, that did not relieve them from the responsibility of standing together. (Applause). In replying to a deputation from the R.S.A. at Wellington recently the Minister had stated that the carrying out of the Rehabilitation Commission’s report depended upon finance. He felt that was a wrong attitude even though the economic situation was not bright, as finance was not considered during the war. If it was a question of rehabilitating men the Minister would have to do it if all stood together. It was a debt due to the men, and if their membership were kept up it would result in a solid body being behind the movement. He moved that this meeting confirm the resolution passed at the meeting of returned men after the Anzac service that a branch be set up in Matamata. Mr. Mockridge seconded the resolution.

A Name. Mr. Higgins asked if any specified area was included in the area called “ Matamata district.” The chairman replied that no specified area had been considered, and that anyone could join up. Mr. Seton moved an amendment that the name be the Matamata Association and that no one be barred. Rev. Marr thought the word “ district ” should be included.

Mr. Mclntyre deprecated any hint of parochialism being attached to the name.

The chairman was putting the motion when Mr. Davidson suggested it was a matter not to be rushed, bur one which needed careful consideration, so that no portion of the district could feel that it was not included.

Mr. Higginson agreed with Mr. Davidson, and suggested that “ Matamata district ” should be the term used.

The amendment was then defeated and it was agreed the name of the branch be the Matamata District Returned Soldiers’ Association. Constitution. Mr. Mclntyre moved that the rules be the same as the draft sent from the general secretary in Wellington, with alterations or additions to be made by the local committee. 1 Major Wilding seconded the mo--1 tion.

Mr. Higgins thought that the motion was too wide, and that the committee might depart from the constitution.

The motion was carried. The chairman moved that direct affiliation be made with Wellington. This would give the branch direct

! representation, which would not be the case if affiliation was made through Auckland. Mr. Higgins seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The chairman moved that the branch be incorporated. Mr. Seton asked if it was necessary to incorporate, as he understood it gave power to sue. > Mr. Griffiths seconded the resolution, stating that though power to sue was given, it was not mandatory, whereas if the branch were not incorporated any member could be picked upon to pay any debts. The motion was agreed to. Election of Officers. Before proceeding with the election of officers the chairman suggested that a committee of ten, apart from other officials, be set up, with allowance for a committee of three from Putaruru, with two from Tirau and five from Matamata and district. He pointed out that the Putaruru end covered a large area, and if close touch was to be kept with this big district it was essential that three good workers be appointed to investigate cases and deal with matters at that end, so that full detailed reports could be made to the executive.

Mr. Waterson seconded the motion. Mr. Gubb thought it was not usual for all officers to be members of the committee. Mr. Higginson supported the motion, holding officers ex officio would be in touch with the work. The motion was carried. Several amendments were put before the meeting. Major Wilding moved, and Mr. Higgins seconded, that the quorum of the committee be five. Mr. Mockridge thought the quorum was too small, and that if the work was done by a few there was a danger of interest being lost.

After some further discussion the quorum of five was agreed to, it being the general opinion that a small quorum ensured work being continuously carried on while it did not prevent the balance of the committee from attending.

Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. G. G. Griffiths; vice-president, Mr. F. Rose (Tirau); secretary, Mr. G. G. Bell (Matamata); assistant secretary, Mr T. E. McMillan (Matamata); treasurer, Mr. C. E. Mclntyre (Matamata) ; committee, Messrs. J. R. O. Lochhead, C. D. Brown and Rev. G. H. Marr (Putaruru), Messrs. H. Wilding and G. W. Seton (Tirau), D. Waterson (Matamata), H. Walls (Te Poi), D. B. Higgins (Okauia), C. G. Payze (Peria) and Barlow (Waharoa).

Some < difficulty was experienced in electing the committee owing to the number of workers available for the few seats, but eventually, on the suggestion of Mr. N. Higginson (Okoroire), the hurdle was overcome without ballot through sporting withdrawals by several members, and by the toss of a coin deciding the issue in a couple of instances.

On the motion of Messrs. Higginson and Jagger, it was decided that any member of the committee who was absent from three consecutive meetings without sound reason would automatically forfeit his seat, which the committee would have power to fill. Subscription. On the motion of Mr. Mclntyre, it was decided that the annual subscription be 10s. Membership.

The secretary announced that the membership roll stood at 174, and that he felt that the figure of 200 would be reached. (Applause). Questions. Replying to a question, Mr. N. L. Higginson stated that the Auckland Association assisted any returned soldier whether he was a member or not. Speaking on the question of local distress, the Rev. Marr stated that the Putaruru members of the com- ; mittee would report as soon as pos- . sible on a reported case in that dist trict.

Resolution to Minister. Following the reading of a summary of the report of the Reliabilitation Commission by Mr. T. E. McMillan, on the motion of Messrs. G. G. Bell and F. Rose, it was unanimously agreed that letters be sent to the Prime Minister and the Minicter-in-Charge urging that the full recommendations of the commission be carried into effect. Replying to a question by Mr. Seton as to the qualification for membership, the secretary stated that all returned men who had fought in or with His Majesty’s forces overseas in the Great War or any other war were eligible. If there was any doubt in any case ae would forward particulars _to Wellington for a ruling. Nurses were also eligible and free membership would be granted. The meeting terminated about 11 p.m.