R.S.A. SMOKE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 255, 22 July 1921, Page 5

R.S.A. SMOKE CONCERT

The Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association held its annual smoke concert last night in the New Century Hall. Mr. W. Perry (president) was in tho chair. The opportunity was taken to present Colonel B. C. Freyberg, V.C., with a life membership badge of the association. The badge is of gold, and with the nnras "B. C. Freyberg, V.C.,” inscribed on it. Colonel Freyberg was the guest of honour.

Mr. Perry, in presenting Colonel Freyberg with the badge, said that there were only two life members of the Wellington Association—one was the Gov-ernor-General, Viscount Jellicoe, and tho other was “Tiny” Frey’berg. He mentioned that Colonel Freybcrg was sailing at daylight on Saturday, and he would not be able to stop at the concert for long, as he wished to spend his last night with his relatives. The. members of the association were all very glad to have been able to renew acquaintanceship with "Tiny.” Colonel Freylrerg thanked the association for the honour done him in electing him a life member. He stated that the letter of invitation would he framed and would hang with the picture of the V.C. guard he led to the burial of the Unknown Warrior. Mr. Pascoe proposed the toast of “The R.S.A." He said that the association in New' Zealand was now on a national basis. It had its work to do in the future as in tho present, nnd as in the past. Mr. J. Harper, in responding to the toast, mentioned that the first association was in Auckland. There wore now something like six distinct districts. Mt sure that the association had the people of New Zealand liehind if. He referred to the formation of an Empire. Service League, which had been done nt the conference held in South Africa. He was of the opinion that every returned soldiers’ association in tho Empire should join that league. He desired on bc-half of the association tn thank the women of Now Zealand for what they had done during the war. Mr. Bell referred to the good influence which- the Wellington Association had on tho Dominion Association. The bic-g.-st question the association had to tacklo this year was that of pensions. Inadequate pensions were being paid to disabled men. The tonsts of "The Navy. Army, nnd Air Forces.” pronosed bv Maier Hardham. nnd "The Citizens of Wellington." proposed by the president, were also honoured. There was a. fine musical programme.