RETURNED SOLDIERS FOREGATHER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3049, 17 June 1926, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS FOREGATHER.

A HAPPY REUNION,

HATS OFF TO THE LOCAL COMMITTEE.

Upwards of one hundred Return-, ed soldiers, including several South African veterans and representatives of the Navy and Imperial forces assembled at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday night in a happy reunion which took the form of n smoke concert. The chair was occupied by'Captain Yeo. The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, the toast being drunk in the army rum ration, sutlicient to discolour the bottom of the glasses! One “digger” asked that the toast be repeated several times. Apologies for absence were received and read from the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, Prime Minister, who expressed regret that he could not be with them that evening being- the eve of the opening of Parliament and conveying his best wishes for a happy gathering; from Mr. S. J. Harrison, general secretary of the Dominion R.A.S. and intimating his readiness to assist any deserving call from returned men; A. Barnett, J. B. Coley and J. Alsop. In extending a welcome to (ho men, Captain Yeo said the function was inaugurated to foster and keep alive the spirit of comradeship which had been manifested both in New Zealand camps and on the battlefields of Egypt, Gallipoli and France. Unless something of this nature were done, there was a possibility of! this spirit dying out, The gathering that night was the outcome of the parade on Anzac Day, and a local committee was set up to carry out the suggestion. He made special reference to Anzac Day, and the remembrance due to their fallen comrades. He urged all returned men to parade on that day, and suggested that the next re-union be held just prior to Anzac Day, in order to ensure a good muster on parade. He hoped all present would enjoy themselves that evening, and that next year the reunion would even be a greater success, and that' it would bo an annual affair. (Applause). Mr J. Linklater, M.P. (South African veteran), in proposing the toast of “the old brigades and kindred units,” expressed his pleasure at being present, and congratulated the Chairman and his committee on the success which had attended the initial function. He referred to the fine qualities of the N.Z. A’eterans —they were good soldiers and gentlemen. It had been said that those who had served in the South African War had enjoyed a picnic in comparison with what had happened in the Great War. He could assure them, however, that they had had their hardships and many of their comrades had paid the supreme sacrifice on the veldt. Mr Linklater paid a line tribute to the navy and the mercantile marine during the war and referred to the N.Z. Woolgrowers’ scheme in connection with the assistance to the orphans of those who had done their duty nobly in the latter service. Mr Linklater interpolated his remarks with some humorous war anecdotes. He concluded by stating that he. would at all times be pleased to assist any returned men and paid a tribute to the Government’s policy in this connection.

Messrs Gilbert (2nd. Brigade), Mr Chaffer (Royal Navy), Fursdcn Imperial AY. Renton (S. A. veterans) and Captain Yeo (Riflo Brigade) responded. Mr Bergin, in proposing the toast of “Our Home Town,” said the recollections of tHe home town by the boys when at the front, wero very dear to them. He referred to the natural• advantages of Foxton and aided by the right stamp of citizens it was bound to progress. If the returned men took the same interest in the home town civic affairs as characterised their conduct in the war, Foxton could be made one of the brightest spots in the Dominion. (Applause). The Mayor, in responding, cordially endorsed Mr Bergin’s eloquent speech. Constable Owen (S. A. veterons) proposed the toast of “the Committee,” and made eulogistic reference to their enterprise. The toast was drunk with musical honours and was responded to by Captain Yeo.

The toast of “the Press” was proposed by Mr D. Gilbert and responded to by Mr ,J. K. Ilornblow.

“Absent Comrades” was proposed by Captain Yeo and the toast was drunk midst impressive silence,

The official programme concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Sync” and cheers were given for Mr Linklater, the committee and chairman.

During the evening appreciative items were rendered by Messrs Barron, G. F. Smith, B. Hinds, A. Smith and IT. B. Powell and choruses by tin 1 company. Messrs Jensen and T. East played the accom - paniments. The catering was in the capable hands of Mr .1. Walls.

A special word of praise is duo to the indefatigable secretary (Mr. A. E. Scott) and the committee, viz,, Messrs F. G. Yeo (chairman), J. E. Clark, S. Dudsoii, G. Fraser, H. Horn blow, J. McKenna, 11. Reid, J. M. Thomson and B. J. Walls. Those present at the re-union were: —Messrs C. Arcus, J. Bachelor, J.. Bullard, A. Burr, IV. Bryant, V. E. Bryant, L. C. Bryant, W. Bailey, D. Brooks, M. B. Bergin S. Barber, R. Burns, C. J. Bailey,

J. E. Clark, E. Cornwall, S. Dudson, T. East, C. Edwards, A. Fowler, 0. Fraser, D. Gilbert, C. Graham, IT. Gray, R. Heppner, 11. Hughes, 11. Hornblow, C. Ingram, L. Jolmston, J. Knox, P. Lingard, C. Marriott, I’. Marriott, J. McKenna, W. Mounsev, R. Mayer, V. McDowell, W. A, McPhaill, F. Moffatt, C. Moulden, W. Nye, 11. Proctor, R. Powell, C. Quarterniain, J. J. Robertson, J. Ross, 11. Robinson, L. Robinson, H. Reid, L. W. Richardson, E. Spring. A. Starkie, A. E. Scott. Stuart, J. AT. Thomson, W. Trueman, A. Thompson, B. J. Walls, E. J. Westwood, J. Walker, Dr. E. M. Wyllic, F. G. Yeo, \V. T. Young, 11. Johnston, Whitton, members N.Z.E.F. and Mr S. Austin, Royal Air Force; R. Cliaffey, Royal Navy; W. Fursdon and R. Byne, Imperial Forces; and Messrs J. Linklater, M.P., F. Robinson, W. Renton, A. Gawler and R. Owen, South African veterans.