Levin Returned Services Association 50th Jubilee Celebrations 1919-1969
- Description
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JUBILEE Committee
Chairman: L. A. HEWETT.
Secretary: K. J. DE CASTRO.
Treasurer: K. H. BROOKER.
Committee: Mesdames T. A. BIRD, G. A. SKINNER, B. D. MILLER, H. A. MUDGWAY, GARDINER Messrs. J. F. MONROE, R. L. HARPER, R. T. TINDALE, A. D. RANSOM, K McCREEDY, A. F. BRYANT, R. I. HANDS, A. T. FLETCHER, D. G. COLLIER, R. W. STEWART, W. H. SMITH
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Presidents 1919 - 1969
- J. NEILL, 1919-1921
- G. GOW, 1921-1923
- DACRE HAMILTON. 1923-1938
- J. THOMPSON, 1938-1942
- J. LANCASTER. 1942-1947
- M. THOMSON, 1947-1950
- T. FLETCHER, 1950-1959
- S. BROWN, 1959-1960
- G. COLLIER, 1960-1969
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A message from the President
It is with a great deal of pleasure and pride that we can look back over the fifty year history of Levin R.S.A., founded as it was not long after the parent body of N.Z.R.S.A.
The tremendous voluntary effort by so many to see that their fellow comrades-in-arms received their rights from the State and community to re-establish themselves in civilian life after serving their country abroad, must be an inspiration to present and future members to continue this valuable and necessary work.
Neither was the social side lost sight of during all this effort, and many happy occasions must become part of our memories of this same history, continuing, and adding to, a sense of comradeship forged under stress which seems to bind service personnel so closely.
There is plenty of evidence that Community activity and responsibility were not over-looked, and the Association has rightly earned a place of respect in the town and district.
It is fitting to celebrate such an occasion, and I hope the excellent efforts of Lew Hewett and his Jubilee Committee meet with the same success that has attached to the whole history of the Levin R.S.A.
Welcome to this weekend of celebrations, and may you add some treasured memories to your store.
DUDLEY COLLIER
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PRESIDENTS
- J. Neil (two years) N. M. Thomson (three)
J. G. Gow (two) A. T. Fletcher (nine)
G. Dacre Hamilton (16) R. S. Brown
Dr. S. J. Thompson (three) D. G. Collier (nine)
H. J. Lancaster (five)
VICE-PRESIDENTS
Dr. L. J. Hunter (two years) D. G. Collier
L. W. Allen (two) L. A. Spicer
C. E. Wisely L. A. Hewett (three)
N. Atkinson (two) W. M. Gray
R. S. Brown (seven) C. A. J. Cockburn (four)AUDITORS
- H. Pyke (two years) J. E. Fullarton (seven)
W. Bull (24) G. G. Rae (16)
TREASURERS
- D. Whitehouse W. Meddings (seven)
K. E. Adams (14 years) C. Nichol (three)
W. Stannard (five)
SECRETARIES
- L. Meehan J. G. Corbishley (three)
F. Plaster (two years) A. D. Arcus (4½)
F. Stallard F. Nash (two)
J. G. Goodwin (three) H. F. Birley (1½)
F. S. Varnham D. A. Abbott (1½)
H. J. Mackay (17) W. M. Gray (2½)
W. Meddings (three) W. F. Reeves (six)
Griffiths
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (1919-1969)
- Vincent W. Meddings (nine) R. St. J. Keenan (16)
C. D. Wales S. N. Verity G. Donnelly (two)
J. White W. Stannard (three) D. Brash
N.Andrews H. J. McLeacey (four) E. Eames
T. Clark R. W. Johnson (four) R. Malcolmson
H. J. Lancaster (17 years) R. H. Johnson (four) E. R. Boyd (three)
W. Donnelly (two) W. Benfell (five) Padre J. H. Datson (two)
J. Goodwin (two) H. Burdekin (five) J. G. Rennie (two)
Higgins C. Munro D. Ransom (16)
Lucas W. Mason (two) J. Findlater (two)
H. D. Whitehouse J. Coulson (seven) G. Bryce (three)
Wells G. Wilson L. Hewett (12)
F. Stallard S. C. Saint A. D. Arcus
T. Clere (two) W. Perfect W. Gray (six)
R. Lowry (two) H. S. Fletcher (three) G. G. Rae (three)
P. H. Harper (four) H. J. MacKay P. Walton
H. Price (five) B L. Allen (two). F. Nash
W. A. Price M. Armstrong (three) K. McCready (12)
F. Plaster (two) J. P. Bertram (two) R. Tindale (nine)
W. G. Bishop (five) N. M. Thomson P. Boggs (two)
Dr. J. Graham Gow E. R. Winkler (two) R. Pirovano (seven)
H. Karauti (three) J. H. Allen (three) R. McMahon (two)
J. Bebbington (four) C. Wiseley (two) E. D. White (two)
W. G. Clark A. T. Fletcher (10) B. Gardiner (two)
J. G. McDonald R. S. Brown (five) D. Hislop (two)
F. H. Hudson (seven) L. Hair (two) J. Cockburn (three)
G. D. Cameron F. Fletcher F. Monroe (six)
V. G. Hunter (six) G. Armstrong (two) M. Meads
H. Denton (six) E. J. Taplin K. H. Brooker (three)
J. Sciascia N. Atkinson B. Iremonger (three)
Dr. L. J. Hunter (17) E. Atkins (four) F. Bryant (two)
G. R. Gibbons F. W. Ness (four) R. Harper
Dr. S. J. Thompson (24) D. G. Collier (nine)
W. G. Benning H. S. Walkley (six)
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The Levin R.S.A.
RETURNED SOLDIERS
A MEETING of Returned Soldiers will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 29th April, 1919, at the back of Aitken's Shop.
Business:— To consider formation of a Soldier's Club.
- B. WALES,
Convenor.
The above notice appeared in the "Chronicle," on April 24th, 1919, and was the fore-runner of the formation of a Branch of the "Returned Soldiers' Association" in Levin, which Association today is one of the strongest bodies per capita of any other organisation in New Zealand.
Fifty years ago, April 29, 1919, the first inaugural meeting took place for the purpose of forming a Branch of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association in Levin, at which some 30 returned men attended.
Mr. T. G. Vincent was voted to the Chair and Mr. T. L. Meehan as Secretary.
Outlining the proposed Association, Mr. Vincent stated that: "There were fully one hundred returned men in the district and their collective and individual interest would suffer unless they organised and have representatives empowered to voice their views and grievances. Much of the misunderstanding and hostility that is growing up between some soldiers and Patriotic Societies would cease to exist if returned men were represented on societies." Continuing, Mr. Vincent said, "Both the County Patriotic Association and the Levin Patriotic Society would welcome soldier delegates."
It was resolved at this meeting that the General Secretary of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr. Douglas Seymour, be invited to address the next meeting with the object of forming a Branch in Levin. The meeting was held on May 10th, 1919, and after hearing Mr. Seymour, who in the course of his address stated "that in three years, 40 Associations had been formed in New Zealand, with a membership exceeding 25,000 returned men," it was resolved that a branch be formed.
The first Officials to hold office in this newly-formed organisation were:—
Chairman, C. J. Neill, Esq.; Secretary, T. L. Meehan, Esq.; Treasurer, H. O. Whitehouse, Esq..; Committee, T. G. Vincent, T. Wales, J. White, C. D. Clark, H. J. Lancaster and N. Andrews.
Although the name of Mr. F. Plaster does not appear in any official capacity at the beginning of the Association, it has been recognised that he was the "man behind the guns," responsible for the formation of the club, and a motion to this effect is written in the minute books of the Association.
So keen were the members of this newly elected committee to get moving that they held their first committee meeting just seven days after the Association's formation, on Saturday, May 17th, at 2 p.m., in Mr. Fretchling's work-room in Oxford Street.
At this meeting the Rules of the Wellington Association were adopted with amendments, the necessary signatures being appended thereto and sent to Wellington Headquarters for approval. Also at this meeting the membership fee of one
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guinea per annum was determined, arrangements made for the holding of an Anzac Ball, a general meeting date fixed, the formation of a ladies' committee discussed, and a decision to hold a benefit concert and picture evening.
An auspicious start, which in the years that followed proves the calibre and tenacity of those in whose hands the affairs of the Association have been vested. The Levin R.S.A., at the time of its formation, was the only Association between Wellington and Palmerston North.
In April, 1923, a proposal was put forward to incorporate the R.S.A. under the Friendly Societies' Act, 1908. This was accomplished and on July 23rd, 1923, the Association duly became an incorporated body.
With Soldiers' Settlement at 0turoa and Kuku it was inevitable that an interest in the soldier farmer would be apparent in the Levin R.S.A. Very early Dr. J. Graham Gow interested himself deeply in their problems and through his investigations and help the Levin R.S.A. took a leading part in getting the Land Revision Board established which resulted in a saving to the soldier settlers of over £2,000,000.
1929/35 tested the foundations on which the Association was built, but it did not find the least tremor within its walls. Members worked hard and long hours in the interests of those members in indigent circumstances, often digging deeply into their own pockets to assist their fellowmen. This truly was an epoch in the making of the Association, one never forgotten and the spring-board to greater renown.
Perhaps a most unusual and unique distinction to hold by any Association during its experience is that, at one Annual General Meeting (1922), the Secretary was able to report the membership of 108 as "100% financial." This occurred unfortunately only once in the history of the club. The lowest membership of 23 was in 1923. An advertising campaign was advocated and carried out and the membership fee reduced to 7/6 per annum; this boosted the membership to 117. However, by May 1925, it had again dropped to 29. 1926 saw more interest being taken in the affairs of the Association and by 1930, the average jumped to 100 with steady yearly in-creases, and by 1939, 233 were on the roll. From here on, until 1945, the figures stood round the 300 mark. 1946 was the turning point, the membership leaped to 456 and steadily grew each year, until today it is 676, with the annual fee of $2.00.
With a diverse number of personnel serving His Majesty's Forces overseas during World War II, it was felt that the name "Returned Soldiers' Association" did not fully cover the status of all and at a Special Meeting of the Dominion Council held at Wellington in October, 1941, it was changed to "Returned Services" Association," and this name officially came into being on 10th December, of the same year.
Memorial Hall
During the Second World War the question of a memorial to the fallen was raised and land purchased, the intention being to build a memorial and clubrooms.
A group of members got together and "dubbed' in the amount needed for the section. This sum, £205/1/4, was paid for the section of land on which the Memorial Hall now stands.
In 1944 a ways and means committee was formed to investigate and raise funds for this purpose. From 1944 until 1947 much thought and effort was put into the fund-raising campaign, the final sum of £7370/4/- being raised. This effort was a magnificent one in view of the restrictions which applied in those years. It was also a time when First World War men and Second World War men worked together for the first time.
Perhaps one of the greatest efforts was the race meeting which was organised by the Levin Racing Club and held at the Otaki Maori Racing Club's course. The club's assistance was enlisted by Dr. S. J. Thompson. After Government taxation, the sum of £1326 was made available to the Memorial Hall fund, and then, through the efforts of Mr. H. B. Burdekin, taxation to the sum £754 was recouped from the Government coffers.
A monster carnival was held at Waitarere Beach over the Christmas holidays in 1946, and during 1947 house-to-house collections were made. Another carnival at Christmas, 1947, completed the major efforts for fund-raising.
The R.S.A. had intended to build and administer the Memorial Hall itself, but Government policy dictated otherwise and it was found
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that subsidies would not be paid unless the hall was administered by a local body. It was thus decided, after lengthy discussions, to hand over the section, plans and money to the Levin Borough Council. The council agreed to raise a loan of £5000, making a total of over £12,000 which qualified for subsidy from the Government.
Again through the efforts of Mr. H. B. Burdekin, who approached Mr. Bodkin (then Minister of Internal Affairs) a subsidy was granted on loan monies. This was the first grant of its kind made to an R.S.A. Memorial Hall.
Tenders were called and it was found that the building, which included clubrooms upstairs on the Queen Street end, would cost more than the money in hand.
In 1952 at a general meeting the R.S.A. agreed to forego its clubrooms and build only the Memorial Hall. There was some doubt amongst members at that time as to whether some of the funds should be kept back for club-room purposes. There was certainly merit in the arguments put forward that a percentage of the money should be withheld, but the final conclusion was to hand all the monies over to the council.
With building restrictions in force it was not until 16th February, 1956, that the Levin and District War Memorial Hall was officially opened.
The official party at the opening comprised: Chairman, Mr. A. T. Fletcher, president of Levin R.S.A.; Mr. H. E, Herring, Mayor of Levin; Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P. for Otaki; Mr. A, M, Colquhoun, Horowhenua County Council; and Dr. S. J. Thompson, Ways and Means Committee. The official opening was performed by Mr. K. W. R. Glasgow, Vice-President of N.Z.R.S.A. The tablet was unveiled and dedicated by the Rev. E. K. Norman, D.S.O., M.C.
In the evening a buffet tea was held followed by the R.S.A. Ball the next night.
These few paragraphs cover but in part the enormous amount of thought, planning, hard work, late nights and wonderful effort put in by a handful of members in those years.
Women’s Section
"If the heart of a man is depressed with cares,
The mist is dispelled when a woman appears."
—John Gay.Formed in 1953, the Women's Section, an enthusiastic group of women holding a keen interest in R.S.A. activities, has made a tremendous contribution to the work and well-being of the Levin association.
Members of the Section have taken active parts in a wide sphere of R.S.A. affairs, not the least of which has been their readiness to cater for visitors and various functions staged by the association. They also hold an afternoon annually to entertain the widows of South African Veterans, World War I and World War II men.
At the clubrooms and beach house they have always been quick to supply the "woman's touch"—spring cleaning, choosing and supplying furnishings and equipment, and in many other ways.
At Christmas each year they provide the toys for Father Christmas to deliver to R.S.A. members' children.
Glorious displays of flowers at the Service-men's cemetery each Anzac Day are always the work of the Women's Section.
But if the association has good cause to be grateful for the valuable assistance rendered by
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these women, it must also be acknowledged that the most important aspect of their work has been in the field of welfare. The Section has two representatives on the Association's Welfare Committee. Over the years they have taken cakes, eggs, fruit and other comforts to the sick and elderly. They have regularly visited patients at Palmerston North Hospital, and with the opening of the War Veterans' Home and Geriatric Hospital at Levin their work has been considerably extended. As well as visiting the infirm, members of the Section prepare a Christmas party for the Veterans each year.
Civic activities have not been ignored by the group, meals-on-wheels and representation on the National Council of Women being but two of the interests the Section takes in the com-munity at large.
The R.S.A. recognise that the Women's Section has played an invaluable role in the work of the association and pays tribute to the women who have unselfishly played their part.
Vive les girls!
Clubrooms
In 1952, after the association decided to delete the clubrooms from the Memorial Hall plan, a sub-committee was formed and planning commenced for separate Clubrooms.
The initial finance for the clubrooms was made available through the foresight and vision of earlier members, for, as far back as May, 1922, they had visions of owning their own rooms, and for this purpose a carnival was held, running for six days and six nights and raising the sum of £572/13/3. However, for some reason not shown in the records, it was decided to make the amount up to £575 and loan it out on first mortgage at 7 per cent, later reduced to 5 per cent.
The section in Devon Street was made available by the Levin Borough Council and plans and specifications prepared. The foundation for the clubrooms was contracted and working bees immediately organised by the executive. These were held on Saturday mornings and an average of 20 members took part each week.
A membership drive was organised as the Internal Affairs Department subsidy for R.S.A. clubrooms had been set at £1 per financial member. Membership at the end of the previous financial year had been 400 and in August, when the appeal was started, membership stood at 224. In November a grant of £500 was received from the Internal Affairs Department.
This project was probably the one which brought the younger members together, and those who helped build the clubrooms will look back on many hours of good fun, hard work and the feeling of a job well done.
The following is taken from the president's annual report of 1953:— "I would mention the exceptionally good work of three of our members, namely Des Ransom, Eric Seddon and Wilf Ransom. These men have been the backbone of a good team of workers and without their untiring interest the rooms would not be where they are today. To those who have spent much of their leisure time at working bees I would express the association's thanks." The clubrooms were officially opened on July 18th, 1953, by Mr. G. H. Denbow, District Vice-President, Wellington West Coast area of N.Z.R. S.A. Over the years the clubrooms have been altered to suit changing conditions and in 1967 approval was granted to apply for a charter. Many hours of work were put in by the president, Mr. D. G. Collier, and the secretary, Mr. W. Reeves, culminating in October 1968, when the charter officially commenced. In February, 1969, plans were approved to enlarge the premises. A new hall, 50' by 40', will be built across the front of the section and the present hall converted to a lounge. The billiard room is to be extended to make room for another table and a new kitchen built. Toilet facilities will be on the western side of the present hall. The main entrance into the lounge will be through the present toilet block, which is to be removed. With the completion of this scheme the clubrooms will be able to cater for all needs. An interesting outcome of the charter, which proves the popularity of the new look clubrooms, is an increase in membership.
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Bowling Club
While the effort for the Memorial Hall and clubrooms was in progress, thoughts turned to other amenities for R.S.A. members. As early as 1945 an R.SA. Bowling Club was mooted and a
sub-committee was formed. Land in Stuckey Street, which backed on to the Weraroa Domain was under offer to the association. This involved the rear properties of three or four sections and some hold-up was experienced in getting all the owners together. It was not mentioned again until 1947 when the proposal was given fresh impetus.The most significant happening of course was in 1948 when Mrs. W. Lett made a donation of the land (in Salisbury Street) on which the Bowling Club now stands. This was a most generous gift and from here on the project moved steadily to a successful conclusion.
The green was completely formed by working bees and those who took part will never forget the wonderful co-operation received from the Levin Training Centre (now Kohitere). Working bees were held each evening during the week when a member of the executive would attend with however many helpers he could round up. Each evening a group of boys from the Training Centre would arrive and work until dark. The work entailed putting all the soil, which had been bulldozed into a great heap at the southern end of the section, through sieves, and then it was wheeled in barrows into position where the green was being made.
The boys really seemed to enjoy their effort and towards the end of the job competition became fierce to see which gang could sieve and wheel into position the most barrows of soil in one evening. The R.S.A. and the Bowling Club owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Stanley (then manager of the Training Centre) and his boys for this effort.
Mention must be made of the magnificent effort of a non-R.S.A. man who was responsible for the surveying, levelling and seeding of the green. Mr. C. W. (Charlie) Foster was honoured for his work by being made a life member of the Bowling Club.
The official opening of the green for play was performed by Sir Howard Kippenberger (president of N.Z.R.S.A.) on 19th November, 1949.
Play on the green was enjoyed through a short season and work on tidying up and improving amenities was carried on. Once again Mr. Stanley and the boys from the Training Centre were to the fore and the pavilion and toilet block were completed with their generous help.
On 7th October, 1950, the Memorial Gates and Avenue of Remembrance were opened by the Governor General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C.
Beach House
In 1957 a proposal was submitted by the chairman of the welfare committee, Mr. E. R. Boyd, that a beach house for the use of R.S.A. members as a convalscent and holiday home be established. Through the very generous gift of Coast Hotels Ltd. the house, which was on the site of the present Oxford Hotel, was shifted to Waitarere Beach and established on a section donated by Mesdames Barnhill and W. Park. A further section was donated by Mr. A. E. Standen, and this he generously allowed to be sold and the money used for the resiting of the house. Again the members rallied round for working bees and the beach house was first occupied on Boxing Day, 1958. The house has proved a wonderful acquisition to the Levin R.S.A. and over the years has been maintained and added to by successive working bees. Occupancy of the house averages about four months of the year. Approximately 900 hours on working bees were contributed by members and the total cost of the project was £1100. The beach house was then insured for £2500.
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Welfare
During the 50 years of its existence the association's paramount aim has always been the welfare of its members and their dependents. The wonderful work put in by the First World War members was in no small way responsible for the rehabilitation scheme which did so much in re-settling the men of the Second World War. Their welfare work in assisting members during the Depression years will never be forgotten. Following this lead, welfare committees over the years have at all times assisted those members who have struck hard times.
In 1953 Mr. R. W. Stewart convened a committee and organised the first Anzac Concert in Levin, and over the following years well over £1800 was made available to welfare from this source.
Poppy Day has been well, received each year and generously supported by the public of the town and district.
The continuing work of Messrs E. R. Boyd and J. Rennie since 1954, when a special welfare committee was appointed, has been quietly and efficiently done, and they have carried on the example set by the men of the First World War.
Not only has the association looked after the affairs of returned personnel, it has also been willing at all times to co-operate with other organisations for any purpose that may be advantageous to the town and district. As early as 1922 it supported the Levin Chamber of Commerce and the A. and P. Association in their efforts to stop the cancellation of the Horowhenua Racing Club's racing permit.
The association's work during the "slump" years with the local bodies in this area in assisting men in need; the help in setting up the Home Guard in the Second World War years ; the assistance given to the borough in its jubilee year, and many other instances—R.S.A. members can be found in the ranks of most of the town's organisations, assisting individually for the betterment and progress of fellow citizens.
"Do you remembers . . . .?" They were the waiters and waitresses at one of the first R.S.A. balls to be held in Levin.
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Top: The stone cenotaph mounted on a rock garden at the Levin Public Gardens, Cambridge Street. The cenotaph was built by the citizens of Levin in memory of the fallen in World War 1.
Below: As first light breaks, another gathering of returned servicemen and women pay tribute to the memory of their comrades at the dawn service held each year at the public gardens.
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The R.S.A.'s bowling green in Salisbury Street has provided many pleasant hours of leisure for members. At left is the avenue of remembrance which forms the entranceway to the green. The tree in the foreground was planted by the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, in 1950.
Below: The official gathering with Sir Bernard (second from right) and (at left) the late Mrs. W. Lett who generously donated the land for the R.S.A.'s Clark Memorial Green.
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Right: Addressing the gathering at the laying of the foundation stone for the Levin War Memorial Hall is the then president of the N.Z.R.S.A., Sir Howard Kippenberger.
Below: At the official opening of the hall, Dr. S. J. Thompson, chairman of the ways and means committee which was responsible for raising the finance for the project, making his address.
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Unveiling the plaque at the shrine of remembrance, which records the names of the fallen in World War II, is the then vicar of St. Mary's Parish, the Rev. E. K. Norman.
Below: The Levin and District War Memorial Hall which was officially opened in 1956.
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Above: The Levin R.S.A.'s Clubrooms in Devon Street. Soon the clubrooms will take on a new look when large-scale additions provide greatly improved amenities for members.
Below: Some of the first to inspect the clubrooms after they were officially opened in 1953.
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"Moving house" (in this way) was not so common in 1958 as it is today, but here was the start of the Levin R.S.A.'s beach house project.
Below, the house on its site at Waitarere Beach.
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Above: "Sing us a song of good cheer" . . . a happy group at a social function held soon after the B.S.A. opened its own clubrooms.
Below: Part of the day's fun at the R.SA.'s annual picnic.
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Right: The "house full" sign was not unusual for the Anzac Night concerts which were staged annually in the Regent Theatre.
Below: The cast taking part in the finale of another popular show.
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Above: A Retreat Service at the Levin Servicemen's Cemetery on Anzac Day. Flowers on the servicemen's graves are provided each year by members of the R.S.A. Women's Section.
Below: In 1959 the then Governor-General, Lord Cobham, officially opened the War Veteran's Home which has come to be regarded as one of Levin's, showplaces. Lord Cobham (left centre) is seen talking to the then manager of the Home, Mr. J. Corry.
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Milestones
1923:
Mr. G. Dacre Hamilton elected President.
Mr. Walter Bull elected Hon. Auditor.1925:
Mr. H. J. Lancaster thanked for supplying 9 bull calves, gratis, for soldier settlers.
Mr. H. Karauti represents Maori race on Executive Committee.
Col. G. C. Powles, C.M.G, D.S.O. A.D.C. invited to address school children on Anzac Day.1926:
Dr. J. Graham Gow made a life member of Levin R.S.A. "as a slight recognition of his services to the R.S.A." Mr. H. MacKay elected Secretary at a special meeting in September.1927:
Footnote on Annual General Meeting notice, "leave your wife at the pictures, and roll up."
Framed photographs of' the "Landing at Gallipoli," presented to schools in the district.
Mr. J. Sciascia represents Maori race on Executive Committee.1929:
Dr. S. J. Thompson elected to Committee.1930:
Levin Borough Council offered to subsidise Poppy Funds to the extent of £2 for £1 on work for returned soldiers. Authorisation of £100 from Poppy Funds for relief of unemployment.1931:
Sub-branch of Levin R.S.A. formed in Shannon. Messrs. G. D. Hamilton, Wm. Donnelly, E. Miller and Drs. L. J. Hunter and S. J. Thompson elected life members in consideration of their assistance at the time of the main highway relief work in October, 1930.1932:
Sub-branch formed in Tokomaru.1933:
Sub-branch formed in Foxton.1934:
Conference expenses £3/3/-.1935:
Gen. Sir Alexander Godley visited Levin.
Mr. K. Adams resigned as Hon. Treasurer having held this position for 15 years. Mr. W. Stannard appointed Treasurer in his place.
Catering arrangements made with Mr. J. H. Dewis, of Rosemary Tearooms, Oxford Street, Levin, at a cost not to exceed 1/6d per head.
Otaki R.S.A. formed.1936:
Discussion on the question of changes in the form of Anzac Day.
Anzac stamps to the value of £12/6/7d bought.1937:
Special meeting held at which it was decided to cancel the public service in Regent Theatre on Anzac Day in view of the infantile paralysis out-break.1938:
Mr. G. Dacre Hamilton elected as President for the 16th year. In proposing Mr. Hamilton, Dr. Hunter stated that Mr. Hamilton had done yeoman service over a very long period in the interests of returned men, of whatever walk of life, and that the Association's present sound financial position was due in no small way to the guidance of Mr. Hamilton; he had also been untiring in his efforts to secure pensions for returned men.
Death of the President Mr. G. Dacre Hamilton.
Extraordinary General Meeting held in November elected Dr. S. J. Thompson as President for balance of year. Dominion Executive requested to enter the name of Major G. Dacre Hamilton on the special honours list of the N.Z.R.S.A. in recognition of meritorious service over a period of 15 years[Page 21]
1939:
Clubrooms for R.S.A. mooted by Mr. W. Cop-ping. Incoming committee were recommended to con-sider ways and means of establishing such a clubroom.1940:
The retirement of Mr. W. C. Stannard as Trea-surer. Executive committee made offer to civic authorities to take over the organisation of the Home Guard in Levin. Foxton R.S.A. ready to function as a separate Association after formal notification from Headquarters.1941:
Executive Committee assist in formation of Home Guard. Request from Executive Commit-tee to Horowhenua Branch of the Patriotic Committee to form Rehabilitation Committee. Mr. J. S. T. Parsons, 2nd N.Z.E.F,, elected a member of the Association. Shannon sub-branch in process of incorporation and affiliation. Boundaries between Foxton, Shannon and Levin Associations agreed to. Representation of 2nd N.Z.E.F. men on Exe-cutive agreed to on a percentage basis.1942:
The first year's subscription for all men return-ing from war to be paid by the Association. Mr. H. J. Lancaster elected President. Mr. W. G. Perfect elected to Executive repre-senting 2nd N.Z.E.F.1943:
Mr. H. J. Lancaster, Levin, and Mr. A. Wilson, Otaki, elected to Horowhenua Rehabilitation sub-committee. Mr. H. S. Fletcher elected to Execu-tive representing 2nd N.Z.E.F. Executive Committee held meeting to form Home Servicemen's Association. Mr. W. Leach elected chairman and Mr. C. D. Melville, Hon. Secretary.1944:
Welcome back by Executive to Dr. S. J. Hunter, after nearly 4 years overseas. Dr. Hunter's place on the committee had, by general agree-ment, at each successive annual meeting, been kept for him, pending his return to civilian life. Messrs. W. Meddings, H. J. Lancaster and F. H. Hudson appointed a sub-committee to meet the Borough Council re servicemen's cemetery.Permission granted at special meeting to purchase land for clubroom. Ways and means committee formed for purpose of raising funds for purchase of land and building of clubrooms: 1st N.Z.E.F., Messrs. W. C. Stannard, W. Davie, A. M. Colquhoun, W. Copping, F. H. Hudson and J. J. Gallagher : 2nd N.Z.E.F., Messrs. H. F. Birley, H. F. Webb, R. L. Murray L. W Allen H. S. Fletcher and B. J. Eager. Ladies Auxiliary formed: Mrs. H. J. Lancaster, President; Mrs. C. Bartholomew, Vice President; Mrs. C. Wilkinson, Hon. Secretary.
25th Annual General Meeting coincided with the opening of the Second Front. All members joined in singing the National Anthem.
Mr. H. G. MacKay elected as life member of the Association in recognition of valuable and un-tiring service rendered to the Association and returned men in general, over the many years he had so ably filled the position of Secretary.1945:
Mr. W. Bull elected an honorary life member the Association for his valuable services rendered as Auditor. Mr. Bull was elected Hon. Auditor in 1923. Proposal for R.S.A. bowling green. Land in Stuckey Street was under consideration and approval given for an R.S.A. bowling tournament. Honorary life membership given Mrs. L. Duckworth in appreciation of the many years of interest and support of the branch and of her kindly thought for all returned men.
Mr. L. Allen commended by the President for his work in raising a considerable sum of money for the Association. The President stated that in Mr. Allen the Association had a man with outstanding organising ability and one who would play a conspicuous part in the success of the Levin R.S.A.
Mr. H. J. Lancaster recommended for Gold Star Badge and Certificate of Merit. Mr. Lancaster had been a foundation member of the Association and served 22 years as an executive member.
B. Burdekin recommended for Certificate of Merit and Gold Star Badge for his untiring and devoted service to returned men and the Association for so many years. As a member of the Dominion Executive Mr. Burdekin gave much of his time and energy in the interests of the "Digger and Kiwi." Mr. MacKay retired after serving since 1926 as Secretary of the Association.
Kiwis sub-committee formed at a special meeting with the object to assist 2nd N.Z.E.F. men in their problems and to help the Executive Committee: Chairman, Mr. N. M. Thomson; Secretary, Mr. A. Ramsay; Committee, Messrs. H. S. Fletcher, G. Blenkhorn, A. Stewart; R. Pickering, R. Murray and R. S. Brown.[Page 22]
Special meeting held between Executive, Ways and means and Kiwi sub-Committees, to discuss campaign for raising money for proposed buildings. It was decided to build memorial hall and clubrooms and a fund raising target of £10,000 was set. The name of the proposed memorial hall to be "The Levin and District War Memorial Hall." Messrs. Gray, Young, Morton and Young, engaged as architects for the proposed building. Levin Racing Club obtained an extra racing permit and generously agreed to donate the proceeds to the memorial fund.
Appointment of Mr. E. E. Tyre11 as campaign secretary. Complimentary smoke concert organised by 2nd N.Z.E.F. members.1946:
27th Annual General Meeting—membership in-creased from 291 to 456. 31 ex-servicemen re-quire homes in Levin—little hope for them at present."
Mr. Lancaster reported that Memorial Hall campaign had started in October, 1945, and that to date the sum of £5,000 was in hand or promised.
Levin R.S.A. became fully contributing to "Review" magazine.
Free membership of Levin R.S.A. offered to all 2nd N.Z.E.F. men.
Mr. W. Anderson asked to arrange football with Upper Hutt R.S.A.
Address by Mr. P. H. Bennett on settlement of returned men on the land. He stated that between 11,000 and 12,000 men had passed through for grading and of this number only 2,300 had been settled - 2,000 on single unit purchase and the balance on crown land. Only 120,000 acres of farm land was available and it was estimated that 2½ million acres were required for rehabilitation purposes.
Sub-committee formed for Parcels for Britain—Messrs. L. Hair, J. Corbishley, H. R. Pickering and Rev. A. Salmond. Grant of £50 made by executive to committee.1947:
28th Annual General Meeting—membership 547.
It was suggested that this may be a peak year for membership as a falling-off in membership was likely to take place from year to year.
Election of Mr. N. M. Thomson as President and Mr. L. W. Allen as Vice-President.
Mr. L. Hair reported that first batch of parcels had been sent to Britain.
Mr. F. Fletcher made the suggestion that it was a suitable time to discuss the formation of an R.S.A. Bowling Club.
Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, paid official visit to Levin, Friday, 21st October.1948:
Association decided to form Social Committee.
A grant of £10 made to cover initial expenses and Messrs. P. R. Young and W. R. Malcolmson asked to form a committee. Mrs. W. S. Lett offered section of land for R.S.A. Bowling Club.
Last three years of bowling tournament profits handed to bowling club. Application made to J. R. McKenzie Trust for grant of £250 towards cost of bowling green and amenities. Mr. Pat Childs elected chairman of Bowling Club.
29th Annual General Meeting—Mrs. W. S. Lett elected honorary life member of the Association. R.S.A. Bowling Club to be known as the Clark Memorial Green.
Mr. H. B. Burdekin elected Dominion Vice-President of the N.Z.R.S.A. Mr. Thomson moved "that this meeting of the Levin R.S.A. desires to place on record the services rendered by Mr. Burdekin to the N.Z.R.S.A. over the past 28 years and the Levin Association since Mr. Burde-kin's arrival in this town 10 years ago."
Recommendation of Executive to Special General Meeting that the Memorial Hall funds and the R.S.A. Section be vested in the Levin Borough Council as a Levin and Districts War Memorial. Approved with one dissentient, at Special Meeting. Levin Borough Council accept offer.1949:
R.S.A. Lawn Cemetery taken over—annual grant for maintenance £26. Executive accept offer of Mrs. K. Black to obtain and peg out the various shrubs. R.S.A. Bowling Green opened by President N.Z.R.S.A., Sir Howard Kippenberger.1950:
Memorial Gates and Avenue of Remembrance opened by Governor General, Sir Bernard
Freyberg, V.C.
Agreement to lease between Levin R.S.A. and Levin R.S.A. Bowling Club.
Levin Borough Council advised a unanimous decision to pledge its full support to the Memorial Hall project and to raise a loan of up to £5,000.
At a Quarterly Meeting votes of thanks were passed to Messrs. H. B. Burdekin and N. M. Thomson for their work in connection with the Memorial Hall.
Messrs. H. B. Burdekin and H. J. Lancaster elected life members in recognition of their long and meritorious service in the interests of the N.Z.R.S.A. and the Levin R.S.A.1951:
Mr H. B. Burdekin appointed N.Z.R.S.A, repre-sentative to B.E.S.L. Conference in London.
Flagpole, Union Jack and seat for R.S.A. cemetery donated by Mrs. C. Cooksley.
Dr. S. J. Thompson presented with Gold Star Badge and Certificate of Merit by Sir Howard Kippenberger.1952:
Mr. N. Atkinson resigned as Vice-President and Mr. R. S. Brown appointed to take his place.
Death of Mr. H. J. Lancaster, Gold Star Badge, life member of the Association. Mr. Lancaster, who had been a member since the Association's inception, spent 22 years on the Executive which included his 5 years as President.
33rd Annual Meeting — Certificate of Merit recommended for Mr. P. R. Young.
Farewell presentation to Mr. H. B. Burdekin on his departure for Auckland.
Clubrooms: Meeting decided, after considerable discussion, to delete clubrooms from Memorial Hall scheme. A sub-committee comprising Messrs. A. T. Fletcher, D. G. Collier, A. Arcus and Padre Datson was appointed to meet Borough Council to discuss a section. Messrs. K. Davies, H. S. Walkley D. G. Collier and A. T. Fletcher appointed sub-committee for the planning and building of clubrooms. Section in Devon Street granted Levin R.S.A. by Levin Borough Council for clubrooms.
Construction of base, stringers and floor joists approved for clubrooms at a cost of £47 from K. Davies Ltd. Grant of £500 received for club-rooms. This was from the Internal Affairs Department at a rate of £1 per financial member.
First clubrooms committee: Messrs. C. Wilkinson, R. Stewart, J. Lynch, E. Seddon, D. Batten, G. Scott, (Chairman) G. Herbert, F. W. Ness, P. Walton, E. J. Taplin, R. Malcolmson, P. L. Twig-den. All monies held by Levin R.S.A. for Memorial Hall handed over to the Levin Borough Council.
Anzac Concert suggested by Mr. R. W. Stewart and sub-committee formed—Messrs. Stewart, A. J. H. Allen, and Padre Datson.
Anzac Concert sub-committee given approval for concert in 1953.1953:
Recommended that a Dawn Parade be held on Anzac Day, 1954.
Rules for Clubrooms approved. Clubrooms officially opened July 18th, 1953. Gift approved to Mr. and Mrs. E. Phelps for their assistance while working bees were in progress at clubrooms. Recommended that annual Picnic be held in 1954.1954:
Approval given for additions to clubrooms. Levin R.S.A. assist Levin Racing Club in painting running rail at racecourse.
Sir Howard Kippenberger invited to lay foundation stone of Memorial Hall.
Father Christmas visits to R.S.A. members' children in their homes on Christmas morning mooted by Mr. J. Rennie with a view to this replacing the annual Christmas party for children.
Mr. P. R. Young awarded Certificate of Merit. Mr. E. R. Boyd and Mr. J. G. Rennie appointed welfare officers.1955:
Permanent Welfare Committee approved. Executive to appoint committee members.1956:
Tree planting carried out by working bees at the site of the War Veterans' Home, Prouse Street.
Official opening of the Levin and District War Memorial Hall by the vice-president of the N.Z.R.S.A., Mr. W, W. R. Glasgow.1957:
Presentation made to Dr. S. J. Thompson at a quarterly meeting in recognition of his 30 years' service to the Levin R.S.A.
Beach house proposal submitted by E. R. Boyd, chairman of the welfare committee.1958:
Beach house project underway. Gift of sections from Mesdames Barnhill, Park, and Mr. A. E. Standen. Building sub-committee appointed —Messrs K. McCready, D. Ransom and. A. Fletcher. Dinner held in Memorial Hall for visiting South African War Veterans.
Expression of thanks to Mr. F. Lang, of Lang's Nurseries, for his donation of plants to the Ser-vices' cemetery during the course of the years.
Mr. P. Boggs suggested that photographs of war cemeteries be obtained for the foyer in the
Memorial Hall.
Mr. J. G. Rennie appointed member of Zone F Welfare Committee.
Beach house occupied on Boxing Day, 1958, and bookings made up to the middle of March.1959:
Retirement of Mr. A. T. Fletcher after 12 years on executive, the last nine of which he held office as president. Mr. R. S. Brown becomes president and Mr. D. G. Collier elected vice-president. Mr. R. S. Brown resigned through ill health.
Identification
- Date
- 1969