Executive Committee |
|
| PRESIDENT | Bill Newell |
| VICE-PRESIDENT’S | Barry Kellas
Arthur King |
| TREASURER | Neil Bartosh |
| COMMITTEE | Alan Read Colin Bowler Neale Mann Eddie Pinkerton Eldred Irving Norm Harvey |
A brief History of Mt Maunganui R.S.A
In 1968 the Mount Maunganui RSA moved from Leinster Avenue to New premises on Maunganui Road, which is the current Clubrooms.
An excerpt from a recently found 1968 SOUVENIR PROGRAMME
On March 19th 1943, F. (Taffy) Davies, disabled Gallipoli Veteran, convened a meeting of ex-servicemen, and formed a branch of the Western Bay of Plenty R.S.A.
On May 29th, 1943, an executive was elected, with two objectives: to help returned servicemen and have a club for them.
The following is a brief outline of the Club’s progress from its inception.
1943
Frequent smokos were held to build up funds.
1944
Carnival on Ocean Beach, netting £120
1st Annual Meeting was held on April 28th
Street day, yielding £200, was organized by Women’s WarService Auxiliary
Branch applied to N.Z. Patriotic Fund Board for option on a Y.M.C.A. hut from Tauranga Aerodrome.
2nd Carnival showing profit of £100
The first R.S.A. Ball, adding £98 to funds.
Mr L. B. Hart donated section on corner of Maunganui Road and Leinster Avenue.
1945
Mr. C. Banks donated a section, which was raffled and added £300 to funds
1946
Education Department planned to take over said Y.M.C.A. hut
President Bob Boyce and Norm Tuck went to Wellington and interviewed Sir William Parry.
The above two delegates returned to the Capital to see the Prime Minister (Mr. P. Fraser) and bought two buildings for the sum of £801.
Sold one of the buildings for £450. Cost of transporting and erecting the other building was £350.
Received offer to complete lining of walls and a donation of £250 to funds in return for six weeks lease of the hall over the Xmas period for the purpose of running dances.
1947
The Association decided to run cabarets for funds in view of the success of the above.
Ladies night commenced
1952
Club was granted Liquor Charter.
1966
The Club decided to build a permanent Club on the Maunganui Road section.
So an idea put forward by Taffy Davies in 1943 started progress and today the Enthusiasm that was evident from the beginning is still very much to the fore and Promises a very bright future for the Mt. Maunganui R.S.A.
Today we proudly invite you to share with us these amenities, which grew from the enthusiasm of a few, so many years ago, where the friendly atmosphere of those with a common bond still prevails.