TERRITORIALS IN SOUTHLAND

Southland Times, Issue 24236, 20 September 1940, Page 6

TERRITORIALS IN SOUTHLAND

Association’s Work

APPRECIATION VOICED AT MEETING

“It is gratifying to knovz that no harm came to the King and Queen,’ said the president of the Southland Territorial Force Association, Mr C. B. Tapley, at the annual meeting of the association last night when referring to the escape of their Majesties during the German air raids on Buckingham Palace. “It is also good to know that the raider was shot down soon after,’ he added. As the southernmost association in the Empire it was fitting that they should stand in silence as a mark of respect to those killed in the air raids. Appreciation of the wonderful work done by the association, and especially its work in furnishing the officers’ and non-commissioned officers’ rooms at the Drill Hall, was expressed by the Area Officer, Major H. C. Mackenzie. He said he was confident that there was no other association in New Zealand which had done more for the Territorials and he extended his thanks on behalf of the Army staff. Mr Tapley said that it was the association’s job to work for the welfare of the soldiers. He was sure that there was much to do in the future; the association would enter into its work with vim and would do all that it could for the men in the camps. He mentioned the need for a strong executive because there was much to be done; there was a job for everybody in the community to do and although the public was doing a good deal, it was necessary that it should do even more. “It is good to see somebody in uniform at our meeting,” said Mr Tapley in welcoming Major Mackenzie and Captain A. C. Smart.

The question of sporting gear for the Territorials at Forbury Park was mentioned at the meeting and the president suggested that the help of the tennis and cricket associations be obtained. 775 SOUTHLAND MEN “With 775 Southland men in camp we will not bcT able to do a great deal, but we will be able to do something,” said the chairman when speaking of the comforts which the association would supply. Major Mackenzie said that in the past, the association had looked after the Southland Regiment. Now, however, it would be required to assist the National Military Reserve, Class 11, and the calls on its funds would be the greater. After some discussion, it was decided to leave the formation of a women’s committee in the hands of Mrs H. C. Mackenzie and Miss D. Dempster The chairman said that the association was working for the younger men and he felt that some young women would appreciate the opportunity of doing their part in assisting in the war effort. He said he hoped that Mrs Mackenzie and Miss Dempster would have no difficulty in enlisting the help of willing workers. The work of the secretary (Mr T. M. McKenzie) was praised by members and it was decided to place on record the association’s appreciation of his work. Mr P. Linton Hodge, Major Mackenzie and the chairman all paid tributes to Mr McKenzie’s work. The following officers were elected: — Patron, Sir Robert Anderson; president, Mr C. B. Tapley; vice-president, Mr S. A. Bell; executive committee, Messrs P. Linton Hodge, J. S. Clarkson, J. Pickard, W. J. A. McGregor, M. Roderique, G. M. Broughton, A. L. Walker, T. Gilkison, H. Turner, L. D. MacVicker, L. Fretwell, A.,Wachner, Major H. C. Mackenzie, Major C. E. Lees, Captain H. M. Hopper and the Deputy-Mayor, Mr’J. R. Martin; secretary and treasurer, Mr T. N. McKenzie; auditor, Mr D. Cuthbertson.