K.R.S.A. SMOKE CONCERT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 19 August 1920, Page 3

K.R.S.A. SMOKE CONCERT.

"DIGGERS'" NIGHT OUT.

The first re-union gathering to be held in Helensville under the auspices of the Kaipara Returned Soldiers' Association took place on Monday evening last in the Star Theatre, when over 80 guests assembled, comprising returned soldiers, South African veterans, honorary members, and members of local bodies and institutions. In the absence of the president of the Association, Mr W. E. Barnard presided over the gathering, and associated with him were Messrs J. Stewart (Chairman Helensville Town Board), H. (Chairman Waite- ; ptfiata County Council), and Mr R. WNicholls (a leading Parakai 1p resident). { After the toast of the King had -been honored, the toast "Kaipara Returned Soldiers' Association" was proposed by Mr W. F. F. « s : . Raisher, who made a happy speech in respect to the work of the returned soldiers' associations in New Zealand, and referred to the fine record of the country in the war. The toast was enthusiastically received, and the chairman, in response, stated that the gathering was a re-union of old comrades, and also a recognition of the fact that the local Branch had just been affiliated. The bonds of comradeship, so strong during the war, were, he was afraid, getting slack, and a gathering together every now and again helped to remind "diggers" of the old ties. K ~ The work of the R.S.A. was not yet finished, and there were many ways in which they could help their comrades yet. He would like to see the returned men taking more part in local affairs, as it was to the younger generation the country depended on. (Applause). "Helensville" was proposed by Mr C. J. Claridge, and responded to by Mr Jas. Stewart, who gave many amusing reminiscenses of the early days of the town, when life was not as easy as in the present days. Reference to municipal matters was also made, and the future of the district touched on. He was of the opinion that when the line was opened to Whangarei, Helensville and district would benefit largely through having better communication with the city and the North, and as a natural centre the town would continue to progress. (Applause).

Mr H. Aitkenhead also responded to the toast, stating that when he came to Helensville 14 years ago it wasthe best day's work he ever did. He would say in all sincerity that Helensville was the finest place south of the line, and in regard to the Hot Springs, which would always be a big asset to the town, there was enough water there, when properly developed to give a "bath to everyone in the North Island. once a day." (Applause).

The toast ''South African Veterans" ■was proposed by Mr R. Nicholls, who in the oourse of his speech commended the Government's action in setting apart Anzac Day as a day of memory for the men who shared in the Great War. He was of the opinion that all clergy should unite in one combined service on this day. The speaxer also dealt with ; the line service tendered by the women during the late war, and regretted there were not ladios present that evening to share in the gathering. The toast was responded to by •Messrs R. Smith and A, Hammond, both of whom gave particularly amusing anecdotes of the campaign^ ing in South Africa. Other toasts to be honored w>re as follows :— "The Rising Generation," proposed Mr K. Stewart, response Mr W. Mowbray ; "The Ladies," pro/pfced Mr Blacitett, response Mr F. W. .Strange ; "The Press," proposed Mr fflffr- Wallace, response Mr C, J. ™ Claridga ; "The Bachelors" and "The Men" also came in for attention, aud all the toasts were enthusiastically received. : During the evening several highly "* appreciated songs were contributed by Mes.srs Stan Pritchard, Ted Cuthbert, and A. Eddleston, accompaniments being played by Messrs K. Stewart and F. Eddleston. The gathering, which was thruughout by good comradeship, terminated at midnight with the singing of "A Wee Dor.h and D^ris" and "Auld Lang Syne," with the off wish that the gathering be made an annual one. The committee—Messrs G. GeldarJ, G. Taylor, J. K. Stewart, R. Former, F. O'Neil, and W- Taylor (secretary) are to be congratulated od the splondi-i arrangements made and byroad provided for this function. ! The hall was nicely decorated, and thu tables sot out by some kindly disposed lady friends.