"The Digger."

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 2, 26 March 1920, Page 8

"The Digger."

FRIDAY, MARCII 26, 1920. SUB-ASSOCIATIONS. We are all familiar with that trite old aphorism, "better soon than late! better late than never," and this is particularly applicable to the R.S.A., who, at the eleventh hour, are endeavouring to get an expression of opinion from Sub-Associa-tions as to their attitude regarding the refund of 4s per member. Some time ago this was decided by the District Council in Dunedin. Most of the members knew pothing about the conditions in Southland and the decision was arrived at, by seeing through spectacles, which reflected their own local conditions. Tliat the Invercargill delegate fought against t"-is decision is true and that the District Council would tiot analyse our own local conditions and take thern into account, is equally true. In terms of this decision, regulations were framed providing for the refund. The Invercargill delegate at the last meeting of - the Council gave ' notice of motion "that 4s be deleted from the 'Minute' and the sum of ls 6d be the refund.'1 Had a Conference beep held consisting of delogates from sub-associations and our representative Could have gone to the District Council meeting , with the deliberations of the Conference behind him .it is certain it would have been effective. At least it would lay the base from which fu'ture deliberations could be made. This matter is so important that no time should have been lost and there is ho doubt that the sub-associations after , having the matter thoroughly ventilated, would have readily agreed to a smaller sum. To put' this regulation into practical effect will mean the disintegration of the R.S.A. in Southland. This is the plain facts of the case and sub-Associations should consider

the position from every standpoint, ever keeping in mind, the welfare of the R.S.A. in general. The Invercargill Association is the only one vitally affected by the refund. It has a large country* membership and a comparatively small town one. The Dunedin Association has a large town membership. Oamaru, Gore, Balclutha and Taieri have practically no sub-As-sociations. Out of the 10s per annum subscriptio'n, 2s is paid to Headquarters and 2s to the District Organisation Account. If 4s be refunded to the sub-As-sociation 2s is left for administrative purposes. The real value of a sub-asso-ciation, is its capacity for keeping members together and the local knowledge which it possesses to bring to light of dxy the difficulties of a soldier's widow, or as the case may be. On the other hand, the parent association has to do all the administrative work, provide office, staff and accessories essential to the successful prosecution of its work. In iace of these facts, the parent Association receives 2s and the subsidiary body 4s. If we are to maintain the efficiency of the R.S.A. in Southland, we must have one "head'1 and the sub- Association must receive sufficient to meet necessary expenses and there vis no doubt that country members will agree that ls 6d per member will meet - their needs and leave the parent body sufficient to do its work effectively. An early decision should be arrived at and by mutual understanding ihe R.S.A. work will be facilitated and enabled to put into effect that principle of "self-determination,11 which it has so loyally propagated in inaugurating sub-associations.