Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc

News and Views

THINGS IN GENERAL

Welcome to the first newsletter for 2007. Please continue to send in your contributions, with out them we do not know what is in your mind, or how we can improve things - anything for that matter. We need your input so thinking caps on, and more contributions please. This includes our branches as well.

The main topic, and pressing business this year is the amalgamation with ERNA/RNZNA. At the national council meeting which took place at Papanui RSA on March 3rd, a discussion took place on the final proposed rules agreed upon at Philomel in November 06. There are a few things that need to be cleared up, but I am sure this will be done at the National Conference of both associations in Palmerston North over the weekend of May 12 - 13. We will have our meeting on the Saturday at the ERNA branch HQ, and ERNA will have their meeting at the RSA. The two associations will have the final meeting to be chaired by CN at the ERNA HQ to hopefully form the new association. I have heard from some quarters that some of the ERNA branches think this is a take over bid. I can assure you this is not the case. The referendum sent out to all branches of ERNA will confirm the overwhelming majority voting in favour of one strong naval body. We have seven councillors going to the conference. Any member who wishes to attend please contact me as you can go as an observer. It was good to see Wilbur Salisbury and Lew Woods from Counties at the Council meeting at Papanui. All ways good to see you shipmates. Hopefully will have some good news in the June issue of this newsletter.

Our admiral, CN David Ledson called in and visited us in the clubrooms on Thursday March 1st. David was welcomed by National President Ron Mayell and Vice President of the Christchurch branch Neil Jones. There was a good turn out of members. CN gave us a report on naval policy world wide, and also the direction he expected the RNZN to be taking until his retirement in 2009. The Admiral was in town to present the annual HMNZS Canterbury (F421) scholarship award. I was presented with the VANZ commendation, and feel highly embarrassed about the whole thing. I therefore accept the honour on behalf of not myself - but all members of the RNZN association.

Naval Memorial Day on Sunday December 17th was again well patronised by veterans and friends, the weather was superb for the occasion.

Our thoughts go too all who lost loved once in this first quarter. Bill Adamson’s mother Jean passed away in December. A lovely lady. Once again Bill - condolences from all.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 March 2007 )

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Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.