R.S.A. Holds Successful Reunion

Chronicle (Levin), 20 September 1949, Page 2

R.S.A. Holds Successful Reunion

■ ~ ,» ( The Otaki Returned Services' : Association held its annual re- 1 union on Saturday night in the Raukawa Hall, when there was an attendance which numbered in the vicinity of 150. After the loyal toast had been honoured, the "resident, Mr. H. B. Edhouse, welcomed all memhers and visitors, making special reference to the nursing sisters in attendance and members of the Tin Hat 'Club, Wellington, who, the chairman stated, would provide the entertainment. In memory of Absent Comrades fol'owing "lights out" Mr. Henry Tahiwi sang "The Requiem" while the "Last Post" and the "Reveille" were sounded by Bulger A. P. Ferguson-. , ^ . In proposing the toast of The Nursing Sisters," Canon H. E. K. Fry thanked them for the wonderful work they had at all times been so rea.dy to accomplish. Doctor C. P. Powles, replying on behalf of the nurses, stated that the skili, care and devotion shown in -1939-45 iollowed the example set in 1914-18. In proposing the toast of "Headquarters Staff," the president stated that men who had occupied the executive positions had built up the preslige of the R.S.A. to a very high degree: Proof of this was forthcoming recently when the Government had shown the greatest respect for their ability by conferring with them on matters of grave importance.

He had mueh pleasure in coupling Mr. P. H. G. Bennett's name with the toast. Mr. Bennett acknowledged the tributes paid 'and said that the main purpose of headquarters staff was to satisfactorily rehabilitate all men, and he felt sure valuable work was being accomplished. The toast of "The Armcd Services" was proposed by Colonel C. G. Powles, who paid tribute to all branches of the services. Mr. W. M. Simcox, who responded on behalf of the South African War Veterans, jocularly remarked that "they often had the referee on their si'de, and their horses could often run faster than the other fellows." Messrs J. Royal and H. Simcox (Navy), M. McDonald and R. Carkeek (Army) , G. Brown (Maori Battalion) and Ritchie (Air Force) also responded to this I toast. . '? In PToposjhg ^ tqagt Qf/Tlie, Visitors," Major-General R. Young stated that all would share his pleasure at seeing such a good muster. "It is heartening to an old soldier and proof that our association is doing well under the fine leadership of Mr. Edhouse," the speaker a'dded. The president of the Levin branch, Mr. N. . M. Thomson, said that he and his party were very .pleased to be present and congratulated the Otaki association on the success ! of the function. • The toast of "The Entertainers" was proposed by Mr. H. Jepson, and that of "The Press" by Mr. J. Aldworth. - An appetising repast was proI vided by Mrs. J. Royal, and during

the evening a variety of numbers were presented and greatly appreciated. Among several apologies tendere'd were one from Mr. H. B. Burdekin, of Levin, and another from headquarters staff, Wellington. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very succegsful j reunion to a close.