Dear sisters and brothers, followers of Radić,
On May 5, 2018, the Main Committee of HSS Canada held its annual meeting in Montreal, attended by delegates from every branch except Sudbury. It was one of our most successful meetings yet, unquestionably open and democratic, which shows that our organization, grounded in the ideas of the Radić brothers, has reached full maturity.
The day before, on Friday, May 4, we sat down to a festive dinner with members of the Montreal branch. Welcoming the guests, Dr. Đuro Palaić, honorary president of HSS Canada, said that HSS Canada is a patriotic organization far from the homeland, with a long tradition behind it. Croatian patriotism nourishes our souls and gives us our strength as a community.
The business session took place the following day, Saturday, May 5. It opened with the Croatian national anthem, a prayer and a welcome from our host, brother Mirko Šimundić.
President Ivan Vukelić chaired the meeting with authority. It began with the reading of the minutes of the Committee’s last meeting. In his address, President Vukelić noted that nothing had happened during the year that required the Main Committee to intervene. The problems with the hall in Schumacher, which have dragged on for years, remain unsolved. Membership is about the same as last year.
The treasurer’s report was in order. The organization’s finances were properly kept, as the Supervisory Committee also confirmed.
Each branch then reported on its activities over the past year. The Vancouver branch has a very busy social life in its hall, which boasts a well-equipped kitchen. Down in the basement they make their own wine and sauerkraut: a real peasant homestead. The branch has 28 active members. Brother Srećko Mandić presented its report.
Ivan Vukelić reported on the Calgary branch, which is the largest HSS branch in Canada, with 79 members. The hall has had a major renovation, which has raised its market value. It is rented out for weddings and private parties, providing a steady income.
Vido Menalo spoke about the Toronto branch, which has 12 active members. They have no hall of their own and meet in church premises that they rent. Brother Vide repeated his request for approval to use money from the branch treasury to build a gazebo in the church park. The request was turned down, and the Toronto delegates accepted the decision without complaint.
Brother Mirko Šimundić spoke about the Montreal branch. It has 45 members and is the least well-off HSS branch in Canada. Its members are getting older, a problem the other branches face as well.
One item on the agenda was a discussion of the hall in Schumacher. The Croats there look after the hall, renting it from the HSS Main Committee for a symbolic $1.00 a year. Main Committee members are divided over what to do with it. Some want it sold; others are against the idea, because no forward-looking farmer would ever do such a thing.
Under other business, Đuro Palaić passed on a message from Krešo Beljak, president of HSS in Croatia, that he would be glad to visit us in Canada, with HSS in Croatia paying for the trip. In a long and very lively discussion, every member had their say. In the end it was voted not to invite Krešo Beljak to Canada, and to leave the question for the Committee’s next meeting.
The annual gathering wrapped up in a cheerful mood of understanding and friendship, just as true followers of Radić always do.
Vjera u Boga i seljačka sloga!
Yours,
Ivan Vukelić, President