"Optimistic Hopes of the R.AF.A, Chairman "it {s perfectly obvious that in times of business depression and financial Aimeulty ordinary clubs and similar organizations, which exist for the promotion of social Intercourse, must be the frst to feel the pinch." said Sir Victor Sassoon, the chairman, when presenting his report at the annual Heneral meeting of members of the Royal. Al Force Association of Shanghai, which was held in "The Dome" at 5.30 p.m. lost Wednesday.
Although the RAPE. was, he thought, no ordinary association, as was bound by certain unique ties, yet hed ts business side os well: dimeult financial conditions had to be faced, and although the committee had prepared a budget at the commence ment of their term of office they could hardly be expected to foretell the sextet clreumstanees in which they would find themselves. Consequently. they were $708 over-estimated In subscriptions, and about $100 on the ber takings, This was in part caused by the departure of many of their mem~ bers, who had left Shanghai for new fields; others had been forced to resign owing to bad business condition "NE, Herata" Photo, Atter a few remarks concerning sweepstake tickets in the Spring Champions, he said that he regretted that the raise in the Import duty on wines and spirits had foreed the committee to raise the price of drinks by five cents; nevertheless, they were still among. the best and cheapest in Shanghai, Arrangements for holding the RADA, Scholarship were now well In hand, and it was hoped to hold the examination at an early dat "The association's hospitality "last year was extended to Col. 8, Scaroni, Who piloted the presentation plane Yrom Sianor Mussolini to General Chiang Kal-shek, and Mr. K. Ano, who made a leisurely but nevertheless Intrepid ight from Bngland to Japan. The latter had kindly presented them with a copy of the fag flown on his machine, and both had accepted honorary membership in the asso-elation.
"As to the future," he concluded.
wwe have had our decline In membership and your committee hope we have renched rock-bottom, and that during the year ahead of ts, and the succeeding years, we shall see the -memborship increase, and" the traditional sentiment and mutual Interest and understanding, which are thevingredients of the cement which holds us together, become more firmly sit"
As there'was not a sufficient number of members present to form a
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.