RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 8, 7 May 1920, Page 14

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

MEETING OF ASSOCIATTON. MR W. PERRY ELECTED CHAIRMAN IN A CLOSE POLL. The annual general meeting of tha Wellington Returned Scldiers' Association, which was held in the concert chamber of the Town llall last night, was distinguished by two things — the size of the attendance, and the lively and goodhumoured interest manifested by the members in the business considered, and even though those present were about equally divided in their support of the two candidates who were seeking election to the position of chairman, not a discoi'dant note was struck. Mr A. B. Sievwright, proposed by Mr A. Kyle and seconded by Mr J. O'Sullivan, and Mr W. Parry, proposed by Captain W. Hardham, V.C., and seconded by Mr R. Collins, were the candidates, and in a remarkahly close contest, victory went to Mr Perry by 280 votes against the 266 polled by his opponent.

In calling on Mr Perry to take the chair, Mr A. Curtayne, vic,e-chairman, expressed the hope that the members had found the right man for the position. They looked to him, he said, and hopefully, to see that the association was made a real live body in the future. Mr Perry congratulated Mr Sievwright on the closeness of the poll. He was very glad to see such a large attendance, as it indicated that the members were taking a keen interest in the affairs of the association. The position he had undertaken was no light one, but he would try to carry out the trust given him, and he felt that in his efforts he would have the hearty support of all members. Congratulations were extended to the new chairman by Mr Sievwright. He said the close vote showed that the members wanted a progressive policy, because his platform and that of Mr Perry's were practically identical. Even though he was defeated, the association would not lose his services, because he intended to render every assistance in his power. They should adopt a national policy with national ideals, ancl so get on the road of progress. That was the policy for which all returned soldiers should stand. Mr Sievwright and Mr J. D. Harper were then nominated for the position of vice-chairmau, and the ensuing poll resulted in favour of Mr Sievwright by 312 votes to 205. Other ofiicers elected were Hon. treasurer, Mr T. Jones; hon. solicitor, Mr T. Neave; auditors, Messrs Watkins Hull, Hunt, and Wheeler.