CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1940, Page 9

CARTERTON

RETURNED SOLDIERS ANNUAL MEETING LAST NIGHT. (“Times-Age” Special.) There was an attendance of over 70 -A members of the Carterton branch of the R.S.A. at the band room. Holloway Street, where the annual meeting was held. Mr A. T. Murray, president of the branch, presided, -and among those present were Messrs Whybourn (president), and A. E. Prentice (secretary) of the Wairarapa Branch. The meeting was opened with file singing of the National Anthem. The chairman referred to the death of the Rt Hon M. J. Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and the following members of the R.S.A. who had died since the last annual meeting:— Messrs H. P. Anaru, F. Youle, H. Thompson. Members stood in silence for a few moments as a mark of respect to their memories. The chairman said it was .indeed pleasing to see such a large attendance of "Diggers." The secretary _ and , treasurer, Mr Gibb Johnston submitted the annual balance sheet which showed a credit balance of £lB 14s 2d. The report and balance sheet "were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Chairman, Mr A. T. Murray (re-elected): secretary and treasurer, Mr Gibb Johnston (re-elected); committee. Messrs C. Manley, C. A. Chen-nels,-A. G. Rabbits. C. C. Callender, S. James, F. Taplin, 11. J. Rathbone, Geo Smith. There were 11 nominations for eight seats: Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr E. W. Dyer for auditing the association's books. Mi - H. J. Rathbone for work in connection with the erection of the flag pole in Memorial Square, and Messrs D. L. Taverner, P. A. Cole and H. E. Jackson (trustees). , The chairman reminded members .of the Anzac Parade on Thursday next at 1.30 p.m., and said that he hoped there would be a large attendance. Referring to the 16 plots reserved in the Clareville Cemetery for soldiers’ burials, it was mentioned the first one had been used for the interment of the late Mr Bert Thompson. The chairman asked for volunteers to clean i’’ up the grounds for these plots, and several names were handed to the secretary for the work. A roll call of all members present disclosed the fact that almost every corps in New Zealand was represented in the Wairarapa Association. Considerable discussion took place regarding remits to the New Zealand Conference. Reference was made to the Loans Account; and it was pointed out that today loans to the extent of £285 were outstanding, and although repeated efforts had been made by the executive to get a repayment, little response had been forthcoming. The secretary pointed out that the Loan Account had been in existence 41 years, 40 members had received loans free of interest totalling £624 7s 6d, which meant that roughly the Association had given free of interest loans to members at the rate of £l5O a year. On top of this the branch make free grants to unemployable men amounting to between £7O to £9O a year. Members of the branch receive help every year to the extent of approximately £230. Mr Prentice said that the proper badges today was a miniature one not the old-fashioned broad one. Each year upon the subscription being paid a small crown with year attached was given the members and this proved conclusively that the wearer was a financial member. Mr Prentice also mentioned that the badges were the property of the N.Z.R.S.A.. and not the wearer. He advised members who were still wearing the broad badges to discard them, and secure the official one. Mr Whyborn in remarks emphasised the fact that the R.S.A. definitely supported the policy of National Compulsory enlistment. He complimented the Carterton Branch upon its membership and its activities. He specially referred to the work of its secretary, Mr Gibb Johnston, who was the kingpin of the association. The secretary was the man in any institution who did the hard work and he should be warmly thanked. He usually got little sympathy and was poorly paid for his labours. and in many cases not recognised at all. Mr R. P. Wakclin referred to the large amount that was outstanding in loans, and moved that the incoming executive make every effort to get back money which had been loaned free of interest. The motion was carried. Votes of thanks were accorded the chairman, the secretary, Messrs Whyborn and Prentice. Supper was served during which Mr Murray referred to the useful work done by the retiring committeeman, Mr Harding, and his health was drunk. Mr Harding thanked the chairman for his kindly remarks. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. .1. Couling and C. A. Gray. The annual report traversed the operations of the branch during the past year. The sale of poppies amounted to over £6O, representing the disposal of 1209 poppies. Thanks were extended to the trustees, the Borough Council the Carterton Municipal Band, the Pipe Band, and all who had assisted the Association during the year. MINIATURE RIFLES CARTERTON CLUB COMPETITION The second shoot of the 1940 season was held last evening by the Carterton Miniature Rifle Club, when there was a very good attendance. Some fairly good scores were registered. Rex Porter was in fine form again, and put up another possible. Miss A. McPhee. L. Chew and R. Ordish also shot well. The following are the scores off the