South African War Veterans Hold Reunion

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1949, Page 4

South African War Veterans Hold Reunion

'Although 50 years have passed since the young men of New Zeaiand firsG ieft these shores to ngnt fqr the Empire in South Africa, - time has not caused them to forget the comradeship of those days. ft was the desire to carry on this Spirit that brought over 80 South African veterans together for the Levin Associadon's annuai reunion, whieh was held repently. To those guests who were not members Oi the association and, therefore, somewhat younger in years, the spirit wLh which these o.d comrades joined in singing and other activities completely justified the saying that "old soldiers never die." The tables were decorated in the branch's colours and were well iaden wi-h refreshments. The chair was occupied by the president, Mr. E. Hogg. Among the guests were the deputy-Mayor, Mr. R. A. Frederikson, the Dominion president of the S.A.W.V. Associa- ' tion, Mr. R. A. Metcalfe, the chairman of ihe Horowhenua County Council, Mr. A. M. Colquhoun, the chairman of the Horowhenua E ectric Power Board, Mr. T. G. Vincent, Levin R.S.A. executive's representative, Mr. C. E. Wiseley, Dr. L. J. Hunter, O-B.E., Mr. J. J, Maher, M.P., the past president of the Levin R-S.A., Mr. H. J. Lancaster, Dr, E. T. G. Miller, Sergeanf W. Grainger and Colonel E. R. Winkler. Also present were the following representatives of branches of the association: Messrs ,T. A. Gwilliam (secretary, Auckland branch) , G. B. Carter (secretary, Gisborne branch), C. Ritzema (secretary, Huut branch), and representatives of New P ymouth, Wanganui, Turakina, Bulls, Palmerston North, Shannon, Otaki, Paraparaumu, Hutt and Wellington branches.

The Toast List. Following the t.oasts, "The King" and "Absent Comrades," the president, Mr. Hogg proposed the toast to the Domimon president, Mr. Metcalfe. He referred to the time « and work put invo the association by Mr. Metcalfe while on the executive. In reply, Mr, Metcalfe said that a 1 the work was worth while when the outcome of it was '.o be greeted by comrades at such a function. Mr. H. J. Lancaster paid tribute to the Returned Services' AssJciation. Mr. Wiseley thanked Mr, Lancaster for his remarks, adding that the function was an "eye opener" to him. Proposing the toast, "Army, Navy .and.Air Force," Dr, Hunter referred lo'' the unpreparedness of the' Empire, fojr. World War II, the Battles of -Britain and Greece ahd later the, Libyan campaign. Mr. Carter replied, making. partipular referenpe to the navy. . " Du.ing the toast, "South Afriean War Veterans," Colonel Winkler said that. t^ese veterans were the foundation members of the New Zesland army. Mr. Gwilliam said that 'ihe veterans had gone to South Africa with pride in being ab:e to uphold the traditions of the past. It gave !the veterans a "great kick" to have so many -guests and visitors present, said Mr. R. W. Evans; when he proposed the toast, "Our Guests and Visitors." He expressed the hope that the evening would prove an enjoyable one and that so long as there were enough veterans left to carry on, 'the function would be held. Mr. Vincent replied on the visitors' behalf, Mr. Colquhoun referred to the progress of the town and district in proposing that toast. He said hat one and all should express thanks to the o'd pioneers who had carved the wonderful district out of the bush. Mr, Frederikson replied. Mr, C. W. Newton proposed the toas: to the "New Zealand Parliament." He referred to the Parliamentarians as a "clever lot of people." They could talk for hours on end, but five minutes would suffice for him, he remarked. Mr. Maher implored those present 'to be prepared to ho'd the Empire together, commenting on those countries gradually "sliding out." Mr. Hogg thanked the orchestra for being present and making the function so enjoyable. Mr. J. W, Hayfield responded. Just before dinner a very pleasing diversion was a presentation to Mesdames Jacob, McMinn and Johnston ofifloral posies, when Mr. Evans made reference to the great and painstaking work carried out by them for so many years as caterers to the association. On . their behalf, Mr. Jacob voiced thanks and said that it had always Ibeen a pleasure to be associated with the organisation. Mid-way through the progra.mme a stand-to was called and it was a delight to the visitors to sit back and watch the veterans, with smiling faces and expresdons of comradeship, reca'l the days of years gone by with friends they had not perhans met for many years.