Bulls

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 21, 26 January 1937, Page 3

Bulls

. - .ini v oriesponvlant R.S.A. Farewell to Mr O. H. Grut. The Bulls Town Hall supper room was well filled on Thursday night, the occasion being a farewell to Mr O. H. Grut, the hon. treasurer of the Bulls branch of the R.S.A. Mr H. V. Bond, president, was in the chair. After the loyal toast was honoured, the chairman referred to the lot of Messrs Churchill, Grut. and himself that evening. As all remembered, the branch had lost an honorary lile member, the late Mr J. F. McKelvie, who had been a friend of the soldiers during the war and for years after until his death. It was felt that a worthy successor for the honour of life membership was Dr. F. J. Watson (applause), so permission had been obtained from headquarters, and that evening representatives of the Bulls R.S.A. had waited on Dr. Watson and presented him with the badge of life membership (applause). Mr Bond spoke of Dr. Watson’s interest in ex-servicemen and of the work he had done for them. The honour was the highest which the Association could confer and no one was more worthy of it than Dr. Watson (applause). In conclusion, Mr Bond said that Dr. Watson expressed surprise at the presentation, and said that he felt pleasured and flattered and returned thanks at being so Honoured. In proposing the toast of the guest of the evening, the president said Mr Grut had served the branch very well indeed, aud had been a wonderful help on the executive. He understood that Mr Grut, at his own request, was going to the Auckland district and was to be congratulated on having his wish granted. The treasurer’s job was not an easy one to fill but they were fortunate in the fact that Mr Grut's successor, Mr I. T. Webster, was a returned soldier, and had kindlyconsented to fill the position. Mr Webster was unable to be present at this gathering but would be with them in the future. Still, said Mr Band, they did not ».in.L iO .use Mr Grut. They thanked him for what he had done for the R.S.A. and hoped he would keep in touch with returned men when he went to Papakura. He wished -Mr and Mrs Grut and familyhealth and happiness and expressed the wish that they would visit bulls in the near future. As a token of regard he handed Mr Grut a case of pipes. The guest was accorded musical honours. Mr Grut, in reply, made light of the work which he had done for the Association. The work had been a pleasure and it was a pleasure to live amongst them and to know them. Fie thanked them for their gift and for their good wishes. He found it hard to leave Bulls where he had always been so happy, and he felt deeplytouched at the action of members of the branch in gathering to bid him farewell. Other toasts honoured were "The Fresident,” ’Fathers of the Branch,’’ and "the Press.’’ Mr Bond expressed regret at the illness of their late secretary. Padre Lane. nd ,.) vis * ied him a s P ee dy return to good health. During the evening Colonel Hume, of Palmerston North, was welcomed. A long and varied programme of music and song was contributed by Messrs. C. H. Bdwards, J. Richardson, W. A. Southerland. H. V. Bond, V. Bdwards. and others, Syne ” erinS concludin S with "Auld Lang