Possible reunion of RSA's

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 611, 7 November 1995, Page 5

Possible reunion of RSA's

The possible re-union between two local branches of the New Zealand Returned Services Association was discussed last Saturday when, under the chairmanship of district president, Mr Joe Mainwaring of Feilding, informal discussions took place between the committees of the Ohakune and Waimarino branches. Because of falling RSA memberships in Ohakune and Raetihi (as elsewhere in New Zealand through natural attrition and the absence of any major conflict in which New Zealanders are likely to serve overseas), the whole question of recruitment of new members has been of concern to the NZRSA for a number of years. The number of 'Full' members (those who have served overseas in a war zone) have dropped in both the Ohakune and Waimarino branches from a peak of between 100-200 in 1946 to a mere couple of dozen or so in each branch. However, membership has been sustained to some degree by thecreationofothercategoriessuchas 'service' members (those armed forces members who have not served overseas in a war zone) and 'House' or 'Associate' members (family members of servicemen or women). Prior to the 1 930' s there was only one local branch of the NZRSA but Ohakune broke away from the Waimarino branch before WWII and formed its own association. Last Saturday' s meeting between the two committees was called with the aim of exploring the possible reintegration of the two branches and it was for this reason that Mr Mainwaring, who represents the Wellington North Island West Coast and Taranaki district of the NZRSA, was invited to attend and advise on the 'mechanics' of amalgamation. It was resolved that a Special Meeting of all members of both branches be called (separately) to express their views and make a decision about the proposed re-integration/ amalgamation. It was expected that these Special Meetings would be called either before the end of this year or early next year after all the 'mechanics' of amalgamation have been thoroughly investigated.