R.S.A. REUNION

Evening Star, Issue 22449, 21 September 1936, Page 12

R.S.A. REUNION

GATHERING AT FORT CHALMERS The annual reunion of returned men in Port Chalmers was held last night, the local .president (Mr J. M'Eiwee) taking the chair. There was a good attendance of members, and the visitors included Mr H. L. Paterson, president of Dunedin R.S.A.; Mr A. M‘Hutchon and Mr P. S. Anderson, executive members of Dunedin R.S.A.; Mr B. Ellis, president of the South African Veterans’ Association; Mr A. Gallagher and Mr W, Thomson, Australian Ex-servicemen’s Association; Mr J. M‘Knight, Imperial Ex-servicemens Association. The Chairman expressed the pleasure it was to have so many present. Dir F. C. Smith, on behalf of the .Port Chalmers branch, proposed the toast of the “ Returned Soldiers’ Association.” “ Where would the returned men be to-day? ” said Mr Smith “ but for the R.S.A.?” Mr Paterson replied. He was always pleased to attend the Port Chalmers reunion, he said. It was one of the best “ shows ” of the lot. Mr Paterson said he did not need to take up time telling them what the R.S.A. had done. Although much, had been done, there still remained much to be accomplished The psychology of' the men from the trenches was, perhaps, unique. There was no saying when a reaction on the health of the individual might mean a breakdown. Thousands of men were better off because of the R.S.A. There were over 80,000 returned New Zealanders, of whom 23,000 enjoyed a pension, and in the Dominion there were also 20,000 Imperial ex-service-men for whom there was no provision. The R.S.A. had helped them by way of “Poppy Day” funds. During the past year the Dunedin R.S.A. had expended £5,000 in benefits to its members, and the Port Chalmers branch had participated. The R.S.A. was out to help those least able to help themselves. Mr Ellis responded on behalf of the South African Veterans. • Mr J. M'Knight, on behalf of Imsrial ex-servicemen, said the “ Tomlies ” were well treated in New Zeaind. Mr M'Hutchon spoke effectively in imposing “ Fallen Comrades,” the sigilficance of the toast being accentuated by the playing'of the 1 Last Post.’ Mr Gallagher’s response on behalf of Australian ex-servicemen was very effective, old times being recalled very happily. Pike’s Orchestra had charge of the musical programme, and the singers were Messrs L. Neilson, C. Scott, J. Alexander, J. Turnbull, and P. Craig.