R.S.A. GATHERING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 162, 1 October 1941, Page 5

R.S.A. GATHERING

PRESIDENT FAREWELLED

LEADERSHIP APPRECIATED

About sixty members of the Whakatane County Returned Soldiers' Association met in the King Street Hall on Friday last for the purpose of saying farewell to Mr Les Brown, who lias been transferred to Hastings. A greater muster would have been present had it been possible to hold, this function on a night other than the late shopping night.

The Royal Toast was honoured followed by "Absent Comrades" which was proposed by Mr lan B. Gow in an appropriate speech, followed by the lights being lowered and Mr W. Jarrett sounding the Last Post and Reveille. Toasts to R.S.A. Visitors, Ladies, Fighting Forces, were duly honoured. 'The toast to the departing president, was proposed by Mr K. Runci-* man in a very appropriate speech, several other members present speaking on the good work that Mr Brown had done for the Association in general, and for the wonderful work ho had put in also for the Mounted Troop of the Home Guard.

Mr Runciman, on behalf of the members of the R.S.A., presented Mr Brown with a leather case containing a travellers' shaving outfit, and also A leather traveller's writing sase.

Mr Les Brown, on rising to reply, was greeted with an ovation. During the course of his remarks, he mentioned that it was up to all the Returned men to stick together, and to stick to the Association, especially as there would be a large number of the Second Expeditionary Force eventually returning to the district, and, that whilst they were away, It was up to every present member to endeavour to obtain one other new member. They should endeavour to increase the funds for the* purpose of being able to assist the younger returned men on their returning to civil life, and had he seen staying in this district he hail some sound schemes for increasing the credit balance. These he commended to the Executive, to endeavour to carry them out within tho next few months.

During the evening popular items were supplied by Mr H. Haeusler, and general community singing was Indulged in.

The evening closed with the singing of Aulcl Lang Syne.