SOLDIERS’ NIGHT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20087, 6 November 1939, Page 8

SOLDIERS’ NIGHT

REUNION TO-MORROW TRIBUTE TO MR. OAKDEN Apart from the interest which always rises among returned soldiers oi the district on the eve of the annual reunion on the first Show night, tomorrow’s function promises to be especially attractive, owing to the likelihood that Major-General Sir Andrew Russell will be in attendance.

Colonel Holderness, president of the Hastings association and an officer widely known in this district, has advised the committee that he will be present, and many men will be glad to renew acquaintance with one of, the distinguished officers of the division. The reunion will be distinctive for another reason, this being connected with a presentation which is to be made to Mr. W. Oakden, formerly .secretary to the district association. On his retirement to take up a post with the Cook Hospital Board three months ago, members of the association in various areas requested the executive to organise some form of memorial to his services among the Diggers, and this has been done, with the aid of a handsome list of subscriptions which demonstrates the goodwill felt for Mr, Oakden. The Diggers’ Choir will assist in the entertainment programme, which promises to be exceptionally good. The venue of the reunion will be, as usual, at the City Hall.