WAIRARAPA R.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 November 1943, Page 2

WAIRARAPA R.S.A.

MEETING OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE REHABILITATION PROPOSALS. POSITION OF FURLOUGH MEN. The monthly meeting of the central committee of the Wairarapa R.S.A. was held last night, the president, Mr H. J. Brass being in the chair. There were alao present: Messrs J. J. Andrew, J. G. Heasley, E. L. Nicholson, F. Shearer, S. G. Slater (Masterton); C. A. Chennells (Carterton), and J. W. Fellingham (Featherston), Frank Martin (representing present war members), F. L. Barr (chairman of the Carterton branch), and A. G. Rabbits and J. A. Halpin (secretaries of the Carterton and Featherston branches). The association was advised that its representations for the setting up of the local rehabilitation committee at Greytown were being considered by the Rehabilitation Board and that the principle of direct representation of present war soldiers on all rehabilitation committees throughout New Zealand, in addition to the accredited R.S.A. representatives, had been approved by the Dominion Executive and referred to the Rehabilitation Council for consideration. Headquarters, N.Z.R.5.A.., wrote stating that the association’s request for more liberal rail concessions for disabled soldiers suffering from locomot;ve disabilities was being considered. A letter was received from the general secretary, N.Z.R.S.A., conveying resolutions adopted by the Dominion Executive in regard to the position of the men on furlough from the Middle East. The committee fully concurred with these resolutions and decided to press for a complete overhaul for all A men retained in New Zealand in socalled essential industries. Accounts amounting to £lll 6s 4d were passed. The secretary tabled a report showing the financial membership at October 30, to be 927, including 93 present war members. This report indicated that the' previous record membership of the association was attained in 1922, when the figure stood at 832. At the present date the membership of soldiers of past wars totalled 834, apart from 93 members of the present war and to 138 Wairarapa soldiers who had died since the last war. Four new members were elected (Iwo Second NiZ.E.F. men, one R.N.Z.A.F. and one First World War soldier). The president reported upon the good work being done by the soldiers’ occupational workshop, indicating that at least nine badly disabled men of the present war were receiving instruction in handicrafts under the direction of Mesdames G. G. Tolhurst, F. C. Brockett and J. G. Dagg.’ Mr J. J. Andrew was appointed laiason officer to represent the association on this committee.