The Chairman explained the nature of the constitution adopted by delegates from all the centres, sitting at Wellington, for the formation of a Returned Soldiers' Association.
The objects were to promote the general welfare of returned soldiers as such, and as citizens of New Zealand; the membership to include all honourably discharged returned soldiers resident in New Zealand who had served in the present war.
It was proposed to admit associate and honorary members, the annual subscription to be 5s for active and associate members, and £1 1s for honorary members per year.
On the motion of Mr T. O'Brien, seconded by Mr F. Grymes, it was resolved that an Otago Branch of the Returned Soldiers Association be formed.
It was further resolved that the management of the branch be placed in the hands of a president two vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, and a committee of eight, nine to form a quorum.
The following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr W. Clark; vice-presidents - Captain R. P. Jones, Sergeant J. Skinner; secretary, Mr C. R. McLean; treasurer, Mr F. Grymes; committee - Messrs O. Harwood, T. O'Brien, R. Wilson, D. Bailey, T. Drain, J. Johnston, J. Mackie; hon. solicitor, Mr C. E. Statham, M. P.
• The Willochra came up to Port Chalmers early yesterday afternoon, flying the Yellow Jack, and was carefully moored midway between the George Street and Bowen piers.
Unfortunately, another case of smallpox developed yesterday.
It has been decided to place all the 233 invalided soldiers on Quarantine Island.
Dr Valintine (chief health officer for the dominion), who had the able assistance of Captain McDonald (marine superintendent) of the Union Steam Ship Company), and a number of executive officers, was busy all yesterday making arrangements for the transfer of the men to the island today.
They will be taken off the Willochra in barges, etc., for conveyance across the short span of water.
The sick men who were on the island were removed to other quarters yesterday.
The two smallpox patients will be isolated in a small building at the top of the island, and the rest of the men in the quarantine buildings. One of the medical officers of the ship and the five nurses will also be placed on the island.
The crew will be quarantined on the vessel. - ODT, 16.5.1916
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
