OLD FOLKS’ ASSOCIATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1941, Page 6

OLD FOLKS’ ASSOCIATION

FORMED BY EX-MASTERTONIAN. Mr Arthur I-I. Vile, a native of Masterton, and for many years a resident in his home town, who has been living in New Plymouth for the last three or four years, has formed an Old Folks’ Association in the Taranaki centre, as the nucleus of what he hopes will become a Dominion-wide organisation. The Mayor (Mr E. C. R. Gilmour) presided over the first meeting, which was attended by a large number Jof elderly people. Mr Vile explained that the object of the association was to bring together, in one cohesive body, the many thousands of people in the Dominion over the age of sixty years. These were too eld to undertake active war work, but they were not too old to be of real service to one another. It was intended to explore every available avenue for the purpose of brightening the declining years of those who have borne the heat and burden of the day. The organisation would be entirely non’-political and non-sectarian, and without the slightest trace of class distinction. Apart from arranging picnics and various forms of entertainment, a register would be kept of the birthdays of members, and these annual milestones would not be permitted to pass without recognition. Committees of both sexes would also be set up to visit sick members. It was hoped, further, to establish clubs in every town, in which members might meet and enjoy games, exchange reminiscences, and listen to the radio.

The Mayor warmly congratulated Mr ‘Vile upon having sponsored such a valuable movement, and expressed the opinion that it would have the wholehearted support of every good citizen. At a later meeting a letter was read from .Mr F. L. Frost. M.P.. warmly commending the organisation, of which Mr Vile was unanimously elected chairman. The annual subscription was fixed at the modest sum of 2s 6d. so that Social Security beneficiaries might not be debarred from membership. Honorary membership was fixed at 10s (id. and it is hoped that the finance derived from this source, together with donations and bequests, will place the organisation on a firm footing. It is proposed to form branches throughout Taranaki in the first instance but already inquiries have been made from Auckland. Christchurch and Wellington concerning the establishment of branches in those cities.