R.S.A. ANNUAL RE-UNION

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 46, 26 April 1929, Page 3

R.S.A. ANNUAL RE-UNION

The Hutt Valley Branch of the Returned {Soldiers' Association held a most successful re-Knioh at the Masonic Hall, Petone, last Thursday evening. ,-■■_:'. The chairman (Mr.. Tooma;th), proposed the toast of the King. The toast of "Absent Comrades" was next honoured - and the *' Last Post was sounded by Lieut. E. T. MeKaiiu- 'Mr L. Felton then sang "Requiem," after which Lieut. McKain sounded "Reveille" and the Liverpool Regimental March. . The "whole company then burst into' song, under the baton of Mr. L." Felton, with "Pack up your troubles," and other popular' choruses reminiscent of the days of active service . Apologies for, absence were received from the G-ovcrnor-General, Sir J. G. Ward, Rt. Hon. J.'G, Coates, Sir. Alex.' Roberts, Dr. Izard, Brigadier-General Burgess, Brigadier-General; Young, Hoh T. M. Wilford, Mr. Vivian Riddiford and others. The President of the Branch, Mr. Toomath, spoke 'of the activities of the Association and expressed confidence in its work. He pointed out that the Hutt Valley branch in common with many other branches of the Association showed-an increase in membership and he reminded his hearers of the necessity for keeping together in order that they may be able, to help those comrades who are in failing health. Referring to Anzae celebrations, lie stated that it had been, dc-j cided to hold them in the Hutt this year, as 50 per cent of the Association's members /resided there,; and he the suggestion to hold (the services alternately in the two centres. He also agreed with the suggestion to hold a re-union in each centre every year provided a suitable hall could be

found

Mr. L. JTelton proposed the toast of the Beturned Soldiers' Association and spoke of the good work that had been done by Messrs Harrison and HaTper, the treasurer secretary" respectively, of the Association

Mr." Harper responded and said that it was very largely due to the class of men on the executive that such/splendid work was being done by the B.S.A. He referred .particularly to thg work of Sir Andrew Russeil and spoke of the great sacrifices he had made both with his time and his money to assist the work of the Association and made mention of those who' were rather apt to criticise the work instead of coming along to the meetings. It was the duty of every soldier to join the Association and to attend the meetings. He also referred to the splendid work of Mt. Harrison.

In replying Mr. Harrison spoke of the gYeat importance of Sir Andrew Russell's mission to the Old Country as the New Zealand delegate to the Imperial Conference and he hoped that as a result of the visit something more might be done for Imperial men now domiciled in ]STew Zealand, Mr, Harrison also spoke of the difficult work of the War • Pension Board and pointed out that the Association was able to assist its members to make their representations. tO the Board.

. Col. Avery said that a great deal of the" success of the Hutt Valley Branch was undoubtedly due to the energetic hon. secretary, Mr. L. Felton.

Col. Hall 'predicted that the number of men breaking down in health, will increase and that, all the help that can be* given. ;by the 8.5.A.. and; other similar associations will be required. He was sorry to mention that the number of men being: maintained in Porirua Mental Hospitajbis increasing, but the B.S.A is doing- everything possible to' alleviate their sufferings.'"•

. Major Leeming and Col. Lyons spoke to the toast of "The ATiny and N"a/vy" and "Air Forces." /

The guests of the evening were Mr. S. J. Harrison, general secretary N.Z. R.S.A., Mr Ji T^. Harper, dominion treasurer N.Z.R.S.A,. Colonels Avery, Hall, Lyon, Major Leeming..

-—During ther evening ';r mivsical: items were, rendered "'by a Jazz orchestra, songs by Mr. F.. Tunley,1- R. W.' Ward, and "Roly Poly." and funny stories by Mr. Dean;.•;■ Mx1 McKa,in^ also gave some selections on the bugle.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a successful evening to a close,