Home
Rulers and Sinn Feiners welcome.
[War
of Independence 1919 - 1922.]
Comrades of the Great War Club.
Minute Book 8th May 1919.
First General Meeting held in Deighton Hall, Burrin Street, Carlow.
Chairman; Rev Ridgeway.
The
meeting was addressed by the President of the Comrades Club, Lieut-Colonel
Robert Browne-Clayton, D.S.O.
He
stated that since the last meeting in January, 249 ex-servicemen had
enrolled in the club, with membership coming along in leaps and
bounds:-
"the
cry is still they come, still they come"
and all are welcome. The Club rooms in Burrin Street are fully
equipped as a recreation centre, with books and newspapers
available, a licensed canteen is in full swing with prices to suit
the pocket of the men that frequent the premises. Rules and
Regulations have been adopted and subscription of 6 pence weekly has
been suggested. The principle object was to keep together those who
took part in the Great War, to influence the Government and to have
the men taught suitable trades to obtain employment for them.
Membership Cards are now being distributed and if any man presents
himself with his Membership Card at any of the 800 Branches in Great
Britain or Ireland or any of the Branches throughout the world, he
will be made welcome. It is now possible for any member to leave
Carlow and to go to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa,
where he will find a friend in the Comrades Club."
The
Chairman, Rev. Ridgeway, stated their first business was to enlarge
the Carlow Post to a Branch as membership had now exceeded 100. He
proposed a resolution to that effect. Rev Ridgeway said a letter had
been put into his hands complaining that a man had been black-beaned
from becoming a member of the Club because he was a member of Sinn
Fein, but there was no reason why he should not be admitted as a
member of the Club, as there were no political or religious
differences in the Club, and they might rest assured that the man in
question would be elected a member of the Comrades of the Great War
Club. In future no man's politics should be mentioned at any meeting
of the Committee for election, the only qualification being that he
fought in the Great War. Mr. Webster added that it was not necessary
even that he should be a soldier, sailor, or airman in His Majesty's
forces. Men serving in the Mercantile Marine during the war and who
had run risks, were also eligible to join. The qualification was
that a man had served His Majesty during the war. Home Rulers or
Sinn Feiners were eligible. There was loud cheering and applause
following Mr. Webster's contribution.
Mr.
Webster congratulated the Club and stated that it compared
favourably with the best of the Clubs in Ireland. On a show of
hands, those present were in favour of forming a Benefit Society.
Rev. Ridgeway said that they should make enquiries about benefit
funds and would consider the matter at a future meeting.
In
conclusion the President said there were troublesome times ahead and
all members should work harmoniously together and with the man who
stayed at home during the war. He urged all those present to be
available to take part in the Victory Day ceremonies in July.
Circulars would be distributed directing the men where to assemble
on the day.
The
meeting then concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and
three rousing cheers for the King.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original document.
- Transcribed by M. Purcell c2010.
- Old newspapers in the PPP.