RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1919, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

ANNUAL MEETING. There was a Targe attendance of members at the club rooms of the Returned Soldiers' Association last evening, Lieut-Colonel Evans presiding. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion.. The chairman said ho regretted that during the year they had lost their patron—Mr. H. J. Okey, M.P. With Taranakl, the association lost a good comrade when Mr. Okey was. removed by death. Concerning the association, an amendment was to be discussed regarding altering the rules so as to permit an organising secretary to be appointed. He was anxious to see that members of the association residing at Tikorangi, Waitara, Inglewood and elsewhere were looked up occasionally. It was only by doing so that they would see the membership retained. In Auckland they had a scheme whereby the city was made the mother branch, and the various branches in the province came under the control of the city, so that those visiting the city were made welcome and generally looked after. The chairman stated that an efiort was made to secure a room at Wattara where the men could secure books, etc., but the influenza came down, and nothing resulted. He favored New Plymouth being made the centre of the association, but they must take an interest in those members who were living in the small towns, otherwise the association would lose members. There was an absolute distinction between the Returned Soldiers' Association and the club, which were conducted' distinctly apart, and It was quite possible the association would have to do more than at present for the club. Through the kindness of the borough authorities they had these rooms, which, however, expired in September, and they did not know how they stood in that direction for the future. He paid a tribute to the generous support and assistance given by the Mayoress (Mrs. Burgess) and.other ladies. Mr. Southam stated that he desired an alteration In the rules as at present the officers elected included an honorary secretary, whereas they needed an organising secretary. By appointing a paid secretary they would have a man who would be able to get about and look after the members. Regular visits would be made to the hospitals to see what the requirements of the men there were. Regarding his salary, he thought if this were fixed at £2OB this could easily be secured by organising "big pushes," garden fetes, etc. He was sure there were plenty of people In the district who would regularly subscribe if the association's wants were brought directly under their attention. Mr. Bird seconded. The association must hang together. They would need to form a labor bureau, and he knew of cases where difficulty was experienced in securing employment. The men would have to battle for themselves. He thought there should be someone to go round and see the men In the hospitals, etc. More Interest should be shown In the men. He instanced the case of a man In Otago who came to a town there and found that his expenses were higher than his pension, and there might be similar cases In this town. He noticed that the Government and several large employers were not keen on giving re-employment to returned men.

Captain Harwell agreed with the Idea. They needed an organising secretary, but they would need to put their hands Into their pockets to meet a payment that might well be met by the Government. He did not mind assisting If by doing so they were helping somebody. The salary of £2OB was too small, as the extra cost would run into another £IOO to meet travelling expenses. Regarding the difficulty of obtaining employment, he thought this was largely the fault of the men themselves.

Lieutenant-Colonel Weston favored the alteration being made. The next two years would be the most useful In the history of the association. They must band together and look after their membership. It would be a terrible shame if a man walked the street in search of work and was not assisted. Also it would be regrettable If a man entitled to a pension, and had not received same, was missed by the association.

After further discussion the motion was carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted: Patron. Mr S. G. Smith, M.P.; president, Lieut-Colonel Evans; vice-presidents, Captains McDlarmld and Hartnell; secretary, W. Ellis; treasurer C Ellerm; executive, Messrs. W. Howell, C. Webster. L. Hlggs, W. Tumbull. H. Davis, S. Oliver: v^mT'llf 8 Hooker ' E ' H, K« S ' Knn - N. Hill, P. Walsh; delegate to War Relief Association, D. J. Willis (Hawera); delegates to annual conference on May S6—held over for a fortnight.

Regarding the peace procession, It was resolved that the returned soldiers should join the procession at the post office and march to Gover Street all men to be In uniform, and that Colonel Weston be In charge