All Formed Up: A History of Wellington Returned & Services' Association, 1916-2007 by Peter D. F. Cooke - 2008

Wellington: Ngaio Press, 2008. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. A very clean copy. The Returned and Services' Association (RSA) has been a significant part of Wellington's social, and at times political structure since 1916. It was founded in April of that year by people who saw a need for welfare, rehabilitation, job-finding and meeting-place services for physically and psychologically wounded soldiers who were beginning to return from overseas service in World War I. This is the story of Wellington RSA's development, heydays, then relative decline, over the next 91 years. The RSA movement has been at the forefront of national debates about welfare, defence, duty, remembrance, sacrifice, welfare and morality. For its membership it has lobbied hard for pensions, land grants, medals, rehabilitation, welfare, disability issues and other rights. It has had strong links with the War Amputees' Association, Disabled Servicemen's Re-establishment League, as well as patriotic and canteen boards, and veterans' homes. Of the many RSAs in New Zealand towns and cities, Wellington's branch has been the most broadly influential because of its capital city location and because its establishment and development paralleled that of the national body. From earliest times until 1995 it shared premises and often staff with the New Zealand Returned Services Association and over the years has provided a high proportion of national presidents. Peter Cooke's history describes Wellington RSA's colourful beginnings and chronicles the individuals and events that shaped its personality.