PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1943, Page 4

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

WAIRARAPA ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

ANNUAL MEETING HELD

THIS MORNING

MORE LIBERAL ASSISTANCE

RECOMMENDED

The twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Wairarapa Patriotic Association was held this morning, the chairman. Mr 11. M. Boddington, presiding over a representative attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Mrs J. Caselberg, Miss Card, and Messrs J. W. Card, H. J. Brass and H. J. Herbert.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr Boddington reviewed the financial position of the Association. He said that an additional £2.000 had been invested in the Liberty Loan, making a total of £3,000. He went on to refer to the improved war outlook. and to the excellent way in which the New Zealanders and Maoris had carried out the hard tasks set them, and hoped it would not be long before they returned to New Zealand. Mr Duncan McGregor said there were only two applications for loans last year. He considered their money would be better let out to soldiers of the previous war than invested in loans, but the soldiers, it appeared, did not ask for assistance. There must be some who needed it. The chairman: ‘’We have a substantial cash balance.”

The following officers were elected: —Executive Committee — Boroughs: Masterton, Mi- T, F. Watson; Carterton, Mr W. H. Booth; Grey town, Mr A. W. Horton; Featherston. Mr J. W. Card; Martinbcrcugh, Mr C. R. Holmes; Eketahuna. Mr A. H. Herbert. Counties: Masterton, Mr W. I. Armstrong; Castlepoint, Mr S. J. W. Gill; Mauriceville, Mr A. Forsberg; Eketahuna, Mr J. B. Carruthers; South Wairarapa, Sir W. Perry; Featherston, Mr A. B. Martin. Wairarapa R.S.A.: Messrs R. R. Burridge and H. J. Brass. Labour Council: Mr W. Candy. Branches of the Association: Carterton, Mr H. Mortenson; Martinborough, Mr J. Martin. Legislature (ex officio): Messrs J. Robertson and B. Roberts, M's.P. Trustees of the Association: Messrs H. M. Boddington, J. 11. Irving, W. G. Lamb, H. Morrison, G. C. Williams. Subscribers to the Association: Messrs A. McDonald and D. McGregor. Letters were read from two recipients of Christmas parcels sent on behalf of the society, expressing thanks. The recipients were veterans of the Great War. Mr H. M. Boddington was re-elected chairman and treasurer of the Claims Board and the present personnel of the board was re-elected. VETERANS IN NEED. Mr R. R. Burridge brought up the cases of “burnt out” men of the last war whose income was insufficient for the provision of clothing and other necessaries. The association had been as benevolent and as helpful as it could, without curtailing all that the recipient was entitled to by virtue of war service or by years by way of Social Security benefits or war pensions. He would like to hear views as to whether the society’s liberality to these men could be increased. His view was that the fund should not be allowed to run on for ever.

Sii’ William Perry moved that the Claims Board consider adopting a more liberal policy of grants to exsoldiers, all cases to be dealt with on their merits. As there would be funds left over after all likely claims had been met, Sir William said, it would be foolish to be niggardly with these men who really needed assistance. The motion was seconded by Mr A. W. Horton, who said the amount of assistance given could well be left to the discretion of the Claims Board.

Several speakers supported the motion, which was carried unanimously. The secretary, Mr A. E. Prentice, indicated the way in which the Wairarapa R.S.A. provided assistance to exsoldiers from its own funds and by bringing their cases before other bodies. The “burnt out” cases were in the most difficult position as far as assistance was concerned.

The chairman expressed thanks to Sir William Perry, Mrs J. M. Coradinc and other members for their continued interest and assistance.