R.S.A. RE-UNION

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1930, Page 3

R.S.A. RE-UNION

SOLDIERS’ HALL, HOKITIKA

A GREAT FUNCTION.

LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC

GATHERING

The social hall of the Soldiers’ Pall Hokitika, was filled to overflowing last night, when the first annual re-union fbr'the past nine years was held. Thuc were fully one hundred ex-servicers present. The President (Mr D. J. Evans) occupied the chair, the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry, 0.8. E.) and Dr. Hayes being on his right, . Padres Knights and Knowles Smitl), Dr. Hopkins, Vice-President A. C. Armstrong and Mr F. McGregor on his right. Tables laden with a splendid repast filled the large room and every seat was occupied with an enthusiastic gathering of ex-servicemen, and the proceedings were of a most successful and enjoyable nature. The best of good feeling prevailed and those present had a great time, renewing old comradeships and recounting many of the incidents of the stirring days they had spent in the great event. There was a most attentive band of stewards who were very attentive to the wants of the large assemblage, who thoroughly enjoyed the gathering, which went with a swing from start to finish. Many 'great anecdotes were recounted and 'the speeches were bright and enjoyable while the applause was heartily accorded the various speakers and the songsters.-. - During the evening songs or recitations were rendered by Rev. Knights, Messrs W. E. Brown, Bulpin, J. L. Menzies, W. Shnnd (special encore), E. Curtain, R. C. Wells, Gilchrist. T. R. Chesterman, and T. Tainui, while Mr Lawn who capably presided at the piano also led the assemblage in community singing.

Rev. Knights opened proceedings with grace.

THE FIRST TOAST.

The toast list opened with “The King,” drunk with a tot of rum to the old service style and followed by the :National Anthem.

” • ' OPENING PR OCEEDINGS

The Chairman (Mr D, J. Evans) expressed his pleasure at there being such a large gathering present of fully one hundred. It was very gratifying to find such a fine spirit prevailing among thep and . the executive were very pleased at the support given that might. It was up to them all to keepi united and carry on the good work they were capable of doing. Reference was made to the work of the local Association, and their justification, for the good work. A tribute was paid to Mr R. Paterson, the honorary secretary, for the very fine work he had carried out. He was a good man\ to work with 'and one who was always doing his best to push on- the good work. They were greatly indebted to the people of Hokitika and the local bodies. The very fine spread before them was a proof of that assistance. Credit was given to Mr C. Hart who had made such a fine collector both for the hall and that night’s function.

Reference was also made to the many bodies who had assisted the Association in many ways and their work was 'in ' evidence in the" very' tasteful display. They had with them that night, Rev. Knights who was to give them the first item. Incidentally Mr Knights had imformed him that tonight was the first time since the real Armistice Day that he had had a tot of rum, (laughter) and he also spoke as a connoiseur when he stated that it was the right stuff. (Further laughter). THE R.S.A. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) in proposing the toast of the Returned Soldiers Association, said a good soldier makes a good citizen. The Returned Soldiers Association had done a great deal of good work for the betterment of their fellow members, who were in need of assistance. The Association had taken up their duty and had done it moderately and well. The Association was a power of good in the land. He had pleasure in proposing the toast—that of the “N.Z. R.S.A. and Kindred Associations.”

The Chairman responded to the toast. The Association had a lot of splendid officers who were putting in a great amount of work for the benefit of their fellow soldiers. Even in the last Parliament they had moved to secure representation on the Unemployment Board. All the Governments of New Zealand had done much for the advancement of their fellow members. FALLEN COMRADES. Rev. Knights proposed the toast of “Fallen Comrades.” We feel we have sowed our dead on all the four quarters of the world. It was now sixteen years since the war began and 12 years since it ended. We remember our fallen comrades to-day in a spirit Of sorrow and pride. If we and our successors are able to carry out the work that they died for, then our comrades will not have fallen in vain. Lie would ask them before drinking the toast, to stand for one moment in silence. THE LOCAL BRANCH. Mr A. H. Lawn proposed the toast of the “Hokitika R.S.A. He had great pleasure at being invited to be present that evening. He was sure as a citizen they were all pleased at the very fine hall the R.S.A, had erect-

ed. The charges were very reasonable, and were fully recognised. He appreciated the good work of the Association and would , ask those not members to rise and drink the toast lie had pleasure in proposing. Mr A. C. Armstrong (vice-President) responded, expressing his surprise at the large membership. They were glad to see such a large crowd present, and that they had entered into the full spirit of the gather.ng. Ho hoped that the reunion would he made an annual one. He made an appeal to every active service man to join up with the Association, and so give their executive more power to urge on the authorities many requirements for the betterment of their fellow members, who were in need ol ass.stance. In connection with the work ol the local association, he said most of the credit was due to Mr Paterson (secretary) and Mr Evans (President.) He urged all who had not done so, to join tip with the R.S.A.

Mr Roy Patterson responded, assuring them he had always endeavoured to do his best and was very pleased to see such a large number present. He extended an invitation to all to join up. He had received 1 greetings from Mr W. E. Loadley (Christchurch), Mr J. O’Brien M.P., Brigadier-General Sir A. Russel, W. Havbittlo.

Apologies were also made for Messrs J. J. Mclntosh and TW. Bruce. It was announced that Mr Loadley of Christchurch had been nominated for the Unemployment Board.

THE SERVICES. Rev, G. Knowles-Smith proposed the toast “The Army, Navy, and Air Force.” His remarks were of a very humorous nature and wore very heartily appreciated and applauded. AN INNOVATION. Hot saveloys and spuds were the” sung in with musical honours and much laughter. A VISITING PRESIDENT. Mi- McKane (President of the Greymouth R.S.A.) was accorded a special welcome In acknowledging the welcome Air McKane expressed his pleasure at being present. He was glad to find the local R.S.A. was a live body. The need of the A ssociation was getting greater every year, as they were getting older. Reference was made to the work of the Rehabntation Commission which was proving ol great value. He urged them all to stick together and do their utmost to assist the headquarters executive.

Mr -J., L. Menzies responded on be half of the Army. There were many sides that they found in the Army, but lie thought they would not want to have the experience again that they had in the past war. He was glad to find such a wonderful gathering present, which proved the Army as a branch of the service, had served to bring s" many men together in a way that other wise would not have been possible. Dr. Hayes responded on behalf oi the Air Force. As a very junior member of a junior force, he desired to thank them for the hearty reception given. The Air Force had the romance of the war, without many of the='hard ships. In the next war, judging by a pea ranees the Air Force would, he the predominating factor. Li their work! the Air Force could see the awful conditions which the Army hail to put up with, of which the infantry had to carry out the heavy burden of the great task. He thanked them for honouring the toast. THE LADIES. Mr W. E. Brown proposed the toast of the ladies. Reference was made to the ladies met in the days of the war. The women nurses of the hospitals, women in the purest sense of the word, the wonderful pleasant women of France, the chic women of southern France and the grand women of England. It was a clever, humorous speech that met with a specially fine reception. Mr E. Eade refilled on behalf of the ladies. He wished also to place on record appreciation of the women at home who had kept the flag flying here. He thanked them heartily for the manner in which the toast had been honoured. OTHER VETERANS, The Chairman proposed the toast of South African Veterans and the A assies present.

Responded to by Messrs F. McGregor (South African Veteran) X. Purcell and Lester (Aussies). THE PIONEERS.

Mr J. Muir D.S.O. proposed the toast of the “Pioneer Battalion.” Responded to by Ur Tuhuru Tainui.

This concluded the toast list, and following further community singing the assemblage stood and sang Ault! Lang Syne and the National Anthem, concluding one of the happiest of gatherings at 11.15 p.m., which will leave most pleasant recollections among all who were present.