WAIUKU R.S.A.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 545, 2 July 1920, Page 2

WAIUKU R.S.A.

SUB. BRANCH FORMED AT PATUMAHOE.

On Monday evening last, members of the Waiuku branch of the Returneel Soldiers' Association visited Patumahoe in order to put oefore the returned soldiers of that distiict the past achievements and present objects of the association with a view to organising Patumahoe and Mauku districts. The function look the form of an entertaining lecture by Major M. Aldred, "With the Mounted Rifles in the Deseit," with musical items by Mr. Wright and Mrs. F. Knight, at the conclusion of which Mr. Eric Hay, secretary of the Waiuku branch, showed in general' outline the varied and great work of the association. There was a fair attendance 01 residents, who showed appreciation of the vocalists r.nd the keenest interest in the major's lecture. Mr. J. Henry (in the chair) introduced the lecturer. Major Aldred, who rendered distinguished service in Egypt, presented a very convincing account of the terrible hardships of the mounted

men in the desert, the magnificent spirit of our troops, and a few of the nany incidents of bravery which

he witnessed. His lecture was not without humorous touches, which appealed to his listeners. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Major Aldred at the conclusion Mr. Hay then dealt with the aims of the Returned Soldiers' Association, and urged the returned soldiers present to join in the good work b> supporting it. He emphasised its non-political character, the achievements for the good of the whole body of returned men to its credit, and the large scope of work still to be carried out. The motto, "United we stand,'.' was the keystone of the organisation, and the fact that any particular soldier had no persona! benefit to derive from the association was a very poor attitude to adopt when so many of their comrades still required assistance and real grievances redressed, and only a numerically strong association could effect this.

The objects for which the association is striving were referred to by Mr. Hay, and were the subject of the following resolutions carried oy the meeting unanimously: -- 1. That this meeting of returned soldiers and other residents of Patumahoe and surrounding districts hairing taken into consideration the statements of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Lands regarding the finance of the Dominion and the possible effect of t,ne continuance of the present scheme of advances under the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act in further increasing the iirice ot land, still considers that the

only equitable and honourable course open to Parliament is: (a) t > make the benefits of the Discharged Soluiers" Settlement Act available to all joldiers at present entitled to these benefits, and so to avoid penalising many soldiers who have but recently returned to New Zealand or have lately been released from hospital, o' have lately completed their period oi training under the Repatriation Department; and (b) to provide that any loss incurred in so doing shall be borne bv the country as a whole." 2. That* this meeting of icturned soldiers and other residents of i'atumahoe and surrounding districts enters a strong protest against the unrestricted influx of Chinese and Hindus into New Zealand, and urges the Government to introduc? legislation to prevent same. After the address the returned soldiers present met, and decided to form a sub-branch of the Waiuku association for their district. The association desires to thank the ladies of Patumahoe for providing refreshments.