ANNUAL REUNION

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1931, Page 3

ANNUAL REUNION

HOKUMKA RETURNED SOLDIER,S

AT SOLDIERS’ HALL

ANOTHER CREAM’ SUCCESS. The Hokitika Returned Soldiers Association held a very successful reunion and smoke concert in the Soldiers’ Hall last evening. Mr A. C. Armstrong, Chairman of the Executive, occupied the chair and there was a very large attendance of over 120 Returned Soldiers present. The Chairman was supported by Padres Knights and Knowles Smith and Dr. Hayes.' ‘

Five long tables were laden with delicacies which were done full justice to. There was much merriment and the best of good humor, the gathering proving a great success from every viewpoint.

Mr A. L. Ferguson presided at the piano and his accompaniments added considerably to the general enjoyment.

Members of the R.S.A. Committee attended to the requirements- of those present, 'and carried out their duties in a most attentive manner, while the parade for savs and spuds, was the cause of great amusement and much merriment

THE TOAST LIST. The Chairman proposed the. toast of “The King.” Drunk with a tot of rum and musical honour's, the assemblage standing to attention. The Chairman apologised for the ah senee of the President, Mr D. J. Evans. Apologies were also made for the absence of the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) and the County Chairman (Mr M. Keenan).

The Chairman expressed his pleasure at there being such a large gathering of Returned Soldiers present. He also extended a hearty welcome to other friends present and trusted that all would have a very pleasant and enjoyable evening. He did not intend to keep them long but there was another matter lie desired to refer. He, would like to say a few, words in appreciation of the work of the Ladies’ Committee. There were some present who did not know what a large amount of work wa.s done by the Ladies’ Committee. Last Wednesday they had prepared the supper for the ball, and they had also arranged the splendid repast that they now saw before them. Throughout the year they were always ready to assist the Association; He could not too strongly express his appreciation of the splendid work of the Ladies’ Committee. They were very deeply indebted to them. He was glad to see them all together again that evening and hoped they could arrange, two a year (A... voicp:—Two a week, laughter ). He would ask the Secretary to read a, number of apologies received.

Mr R. Paterson (Hon. Secretary) read apologies from the President (Mr I). J. Evans, General Russell, AY. .Perrv (Vice-President of N.Z. Executive. AA’ellington. J. O’Brien ALP., Brigader General Meldrum, and Mr W. Leadley, Westland representative on the N.Z. Executive.

M’HE APOLOGIES

From D. J. Evans (President): —T am sorry I cannot he with you for your annual Re-union on Friday night as T am called away on important County business. I wish you all, what I am sure you will enjoy, a very jolly evening. I notice' that at gatherings of a similar character in other places, the difficult times are being stressed and the need' for helping men out of work. The local Branch has been able to do something in that respect, and if more could he done it would he the best means of justifying the organisation. Alight I suggest a. resolve- at the meeting to endeavour to do more in that direction so that no deserving ease will be neglected. Probably times will not improve quickly which is all the 1 more reason to act promptly now. Commending action to your happy gathering, and again extending good wishes to all.

From General A. H. Russell (Hastings):—l have to thank you for the invitation to your Re-union on the 3rd. July, and regret very much that it is impossible, .for me to come; I have pleasant memories of AVest Coast hospitality. Please give my best wishes to all old comrades. Times are not encouraging, and there may he difficulties ahead. All the more reason for sticking together. You might also add that the Canteen Board have snent every penny of interest available for relief purposes; and not so far touching the principal sum, reserved so far to assist the disabled when War Relief Funds are exhausted; which I am afraid ,will be in a few years. All good wishes, and a pleasant evening. From A\ r . Periy (Dominion R.S.A. Vice-President, AVellington) : —Regret inability to attend your Re union and trust Diggers will stick together in this time of National stress as they did in the war. Best wishes for a successful evening.

From Jas O’Brien ALP.—T wish to sincerely thank your Association for your kind invitation to he present at your 'Re-union Smoke Concert on 3rd July. But, because of my Parliamentary duties which will demand my presence in AYellington on that date I will be unable to be present. However I hope you have a pleasurable Re-union and n,n enjoyable Smoke Concert. I would take it as a favour if you would apologise for my absence. From Brigader General Meldrum at Karamea, regretting he was unable to

get down and wishing a successful evening.

The Chairman proposed the least of The

Air \V. E. Brown responded. He stared that he represents the Association at the annual couL.euee of Wie •Returned .Soldiers at Wellington last week, which was a very 'important one, and a large amount of hard work was i one. He mcnt.oneu that one of the most important maturs dealt with was that of Canteen Fund, wh.vh at present totalled £200,000, or £3 4s per head. It was decided that in addition :.o the interest, the sum of £15,000 be allocated from the fund for the alleviation of distress among returned soldiers. J ll connection with voppy Day lie was able 10 say that this year and in every Inline year every poppy would be made in r.ew Zealand. Concluding, he paid a gnat tribute to tli. work of the N.Z.'R.S.A., and said it was up to them all to do their best to help them to the best of thejr ability. _____

(Rev. Knowles Smith proposed the toast of “Absent Comrades.”

Drunk in silence follow-, d by “The Last Post.” and "Reveille” played by 'Bugler L. Ross. Caricatures from Walton, by Air Jink (Menzies.

'Air H. AI. Coulson proposed the toast of the Hokitika 'R.S.A. In , doing so he referred to the work of the President Air D. J. Evans, in his efforts on behalf of the Association, as a result of which

they had their gathering that day. Recognition of the fine turn out of Anzac 'Day was voiced and pleasure expressed, at 'the substantial membership of the local Association.

Song by Air F. Curtayne. The Chairman (Air A. Armstrong) replied to the- toast. He was glad to say that the membership of the local Association was being very substantially increased during the last year and he was hopeful of a further increase. Tributes were paid to the work of the President, and of the Secretary (Air iR. Paterson) to whom they ■were indebted for the very substantial position of the local Association. In reference to Anzac Day he trusted that next year they would all wear their medals and so show that they were proud to associate with those old comrades whose memory they were that day honoring.

Recitation by Air J. L. (Menzies (encored.) Bugler Ross then sounded and Hot Bog and spuds were handed round. ■Song by Air W. Shand (encored.) Air H. T. Parry proposed the toast of the “Army Navy and Air -Force.” Responded to by Air Hartley, (Navy), Bleach rmv) and Dr Hayes (Air Force.) •Recitation by 'Air H. At. Coulson (encored.) Song by R-e-v. Knights. •Mr J. L. Menzies proposed the toast of “South African anti Alaori War Veterans.”

Recitation bv Mr W. E. "Brown ( fi n cored.)

Responded to by 'Messrs AVm. Snv‘h (Alaori .War), Frank McGregor and R. Chesterman.

'Song by Afr G. Gilchrist (encored.)

Then Mr AY. E. Brown called on th" members of the several branches to stand up and each branch members were ovat'oned with musical honors.

The toast of the Ladies was proposed by Air W. E. Brown and honored, and an appreciation of the services of M l ' Ferguson was voiced and endorsed by the assemblage.

The singing of the National Anthem -then brought- a most successful and enjoyable gathering to a close at 11.45 p.m.