Mr. Denton said it might be a matter of sentiment, but the erection of monuments was not a waste of money. He did not like the idea of the town's own war memorial being a new wing of Northampton Hospital.

"If they leave the war memorial of the town to us, they will get both, he continued. "There is enough money in Rushden for a memorial and also to give aid to Northampton. Whether it is sentiment or not, our men's names should be engraved on some wall, whether on a cottage hospital or another memorial."

Service Recognised

Mr. Ernest Bennett, late secretary of the Branch, was presented with cheques from the members and the committee upon the occasion of his retirement. Mr Denton spoke for the members and Mr. F. Eyre for the committee.

In response Mr. Bennett said he had had a good committee and officials to work with, and the townspeople had been at the back of him. He wished success to the new secretary, Mr. J. T. W. Waplington, to whom he offered his help on any occasion.

A prize of one guinea had been, offered by Mr. F. Noble to the member who obtained the largest number of new members. This was shared by Mr. L. Clark and Mr. E. Bennett. A silver membership cup given by Mr Bennett will be held by Mr. Clark for six months.

Big Membership

In the annual report it was disclosed that the Branch is now 960 strong, and there are more than 1,400 hon. members among those now on war service. A certificate of merit was won again in the Haig Cup competition. The Branch Advice Bureau had had a successful year. Sixteen pensions totalling £22 18s. 6d. per week, five increases on previous pensions totalling £5 6s. per week, and 11 war service grants totalling £9 2s. per week had been obtained. In addition were dental and sickness grants from the Ministry of Pensions of £51 5s. and back pay of £255 for pension cases.

On the General Account balance sheet, subscriptions amounted to £131, expenditure was £213 and there was a balance of £136. Income for the Benevolent Fund included £155 from dances, £40 from the Holiday Fete, a £28 donation the American Forces, £349 from the February Fund and £25 from the sale of "Salute the Soldier" emblems. Cash grants of £103 had been paid out of this fund and there is a balance of £988.

Hall Surplus

A balance of £88 remained in the Prisoners of War Fund, which spent £14 on next-of-kin parcels. The Legion Hall maintenance account showed a profit of £516 income including £463 from dances and £305 from whist drives. Altogether the Legion Hall account shows a surplus of nearlv £3,000.

The following appointments were made: President. Dr. D. G. Greenfield; vice-presidents re-elected with the addition of Mr. W. Brown and Mr. Don Bugby: chairman, Mr. R. Denton; vice-chairman Mr. F. Eyre: treasurer. Mr. S. N. Brooks: secretary, Mr. J. T. W. Waplington: membership secretary, Mr. L. Clark: general committee, Messrs. L. Clark, F. Dickens. W. Parrott, J. Barker, W. J. Smith, J. Bailey, C. Minney, H Ball, W. Elliott, F. Cloyton, C. Adams, W. A. C. Layrum, F. Greaves, J. Allen. G. Giles, H. T. Gates, S. Parker, W. Jaques, W. G. Thake, A. Childs, Tom Bennett, H. Whiting, Stevenson, F. W. Noble, Dilley, Furniss, Fred Smith, F. Toby, Starmer, Matson and D. Neville: standard bearer, Mr. F. Dickens; Union Jack bearer, Mr. W. A. C. Layrum; auditor Mr. E. W. Pacey, A.L.A.A.