R.S.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1921, Page 8

R.S.A.

NEW PLYMOUTH BRANCH.

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last night, when there was an attendance of about forty. Mr. A. M. McDiarmid (president) occupied the ,chair.

THE YEAR’S WORK

The 1 fifth annual report of the executive stated that there were grounds for congratulations on the work done during the year. The branch lost one member (Mr. R. Olliver) by death, and he, with a fellow soldier, the late Captain Russell, were accorded military funerals. An ex-member (Mr. A. F. ReidJ had died since leaving the district. To the memory of the former member, LanceCorporal Morrissey, the branch was erecting a marble cross bearing the badge of the association. Thanks were expressed to Staff Sergeant-Major Bell for the training given to the firing party at Captain Russell’s .funeral, and the members of the party. The report reviewed the various activities of the association, including the holding of the annual ball, and the reunion, and also the ‘formation of an orchestra under the guidance of Mr. R. W. Renaud. Other matters which had occupied the executive had been the investigation of cases «of hardship, real or apparent, loans to tide members over difficulties, and distribution of surplus stock from the Defence Department.. The thanks of the branch • were due to the Citizens’ Band. High School Cadets, Wo-, men’s Patriotic League, British Red Cross Society, the. Press, and all citizens who assisted during the year. The president thanked all the members of the executive for their hard work during the year, especially the secretary (Mr. G. E. Roper) and treasurer (Mr. H. A. Davis). He assured all members that the coming year promised to be useful, prosperous and smooth-working. The president said that the financial statement showed that the credit balance this year was £6O 3s (id, which was slightly less than that of last year, when the credit was £73. In reply to a query, he said that the investment in war loan certificates was put down at the face value, and the association was really £9O better off than the balance-sheet showed.

The club house committee reported that several new and important matters connected with the management of the club and comfort of members had occupied attention during the year. They referred to the installation of a further billiard table, and acknowledged the great indebtedness to the Territorial Club for the long use of their table. The institution of tea, supper, the canteen and sale of sweets also added to the comfort and attractions of the club, and incidentally helped to swell the revenue. During the coming year it was intended to organise a series of social evenings. “We have again, as a club,.to tender our very grateful thanks to Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Burgess for their continued kindly interest in us,” the report continued. “We received from them a number of tickets for the Chautauqua season, of which good use was made. Also on their invitation the committee organised a picnic at their delightful country place at the Meeting of the Waters, and, thanks to courteous hosts, charming surroundings, a fine feeling of good fellowship and hard work on the part of the various committees, a mostfbnjoyable afternoon was spent.” The report referred to the appointment of Mr. G. lE. Roper as manager of the club, and the remarkabfe progress of the institution under his guidance, and said that prospects were bright for a most successful year.

The club account showed a credit balance of £B6 15s sd, and the excess of assets over liabilities was £735 0s 4d.

Before moving the adoption of the reports and balance sheet, the chairman said that the meeting would have to seriously consider whether the annual reunion dinner would be kept up. There were two aspects to' be kept in view, the first being that the function was a ’financial loss, the deficit last year being £26; and the second factor was that the latter stage of the dinner was marred by the conduct of a few irresponsiblos. The reports were adopted after a short discussion. < ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. (re-elect-ed); president, Mr. A. M. McDiarmid (reelected) ; vice-presidents, Dr. G. Home and Mr. C. H. Croker; hon. treasurer, Mr. H. A. Davis (re-elected); hon. auditor, Mr. Vai. Duff (re-elected); chaplain to the association, Archdeacon Evans; committee, Messrs. S. Higgs, T. Hopkins, J. Hutchings, C. Plim and H. Johnson. GENERAL. The treasurer was voted an honorarium of 35 guineas, in recognition of his work during the year, and the auditor was'granted seven guineas. After it was decided that a re-union be held this yean, and that it take the form of a smoke concert. A sirb-committee was appointed to manage the function.

It was decided to hold Hie annual bal] on a date to be fixed, and last yearr-sub-committee was re-elected to supervise arrangements. A vote of thanks to the executive and outgoing officers was carried on the motion oif Mr. A. R. Standish, who congratulated them on the past year’s work. The ladies, citizens and Press were also accorded votes of thanks for assistance rendered. The chairman acknowledged the efforts of Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., in various matters on behalf of the executive.