OPOTIKI R.S.A.

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 26, 27 April 1938, Page 3

OPOTIKI R.S.A.

ANNUAL REUNION The annual reunion of Returned Soldiers was held in. the* Lyric Hall on Saturday night, Mr i. B. Gow presiding. A most enjoyable dinner had been arranged by the ladies of'the district, and items of interest were provided throughout the evening. -Music was provided by Messrs S. MeDougailj NFort and T. O’Sullivan, who included old war-time songs in their programme. Apologies were received from a large number 0 f members who were unable to be present, including members of the contingent visiting Sydney. An interesting feature. ; vas the 801 l Call by Air E. A. Bunkall in response to which members of various units of the army, navy and air force stood as their units were mentioned. A recitation by Air S. Alaxweil was followed bv a liaka by the Pioneer Battalion. Alessrs M'cDougall and T. O’Sullivan werte heard to advantage in an instrumental duet for which they received an encore. A song for which he was encored was given by -Mr A. G. Stevenson. A most interesting address o-u a- recent tour of Europe and America was given by Mir Brabant of tVhakatane. who had visited many old wartime scenes. In England, the speaker said, people were frightened of war. AH war machinery now moves at ten times the pace that it- did in the Great War. One day ALr Brabant was travelling along the Great North Road at between 35 and 40 miles per hour aiid lie noticed a huge tank travelling parallel with his car and keeping up with it. He had enquired how the air force compared with those of other nations and had learned that Britain had thousands upon thousands of planes. If war broke out Britain could lose 1000 planes in the host skirmish and not notice it. Jhc speaker said he would like to see compulsory training introduced again, for if war broke out it might not be possible to organise quickly enough. The following toast list was proposed and responded to: — “The King,”—-Mr. J. B. Gow.

-■Fallen Comraues,” proposed by Rev. A. C. Hampton and drunk in silence. “Nursing Sisters,” Dr. A. JBrass—Dr. H. J. Alail. “Patriotic Committee,” -Mr E. A. Bunkall Air ,T. Tabb. “The Ladies,” Air H. G. Reeves—Mr G. S. Aloodv. “The Returned Soldiers’ Association,” Rev. W. H. Wilson —Mr J. H. Manse". “The Army and Navy,” Air T. Steele —Mr Baker (Army). Alt. L. Horne (Navy). “The Visitors,” Air A. J. Al’cCallion —Mr McDonald (V hakatan o) and Sergeant Swinton (Rotorua). “The Chairman,” Air A. G. Stevenson —Air J. B. Gow. “Ilie Press,” Air S. Alaxweil—Air W. R. Pavne.

THE ANNUAL MEETING The annual general meeting of the Opotiki Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Wattle Tea-rooms last night when the vice-president, Air h. H. Alan sell occupied the chair. The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed and toe balance-sheet and .president’s report were adopted. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £230. -Members stood in silence ior a few moments in respect for the late Alessrs Idrnie Sergeant and Denis Hickey. Election of Officers, President, Air E. J. Baigeiit. Vice-presidents, Alessrs J. H. Alansell and G. rf. -Morris. ■Committee, Alessrs W. J. Newell, S. H. Williams, Al. B. Abbot, M. Stevenson, W. L. Frew. T. H. Pearson. Al. Vanstone.H. G. Beeves, C. D. Brown, A. J. Sanders, o. -Maxwell and Rev. A. C. Hampton. Hon. Auditor, Mr E. Herring. Hon. Solicitor, Air G. B. Al array. Delegate to Dominion Council : Left to committee to select.

The following remits were put forward to he prepared by the committee and forwarded to the Conference: That on a mem her being transi erred from one branch to another all records of membership accompany liis transfer. That interest on money borrowed by Returned Soldiers be reduced in accordance with existing rates.

A tribute to the retiring secretary, MV W .J. Newell, was paid by the chairman who mentioned the large amount of work done by Air Newell. A-vote of thanks was passed to Airs Newell and Aliss Black for the use of

their rooms tor the meeting, and also tor providing sapper. The meeting concluded "with a. vote of thanks to the chair.