ANNUAL REUNION OF WYNDHAM R.S.A.

Southland Times, Issue 24836, 31 August 1942, Page 2

ANNUAL REUNION OF WYNDHAM R.S.A.

Visitors from all parts of Southland assembled in the Masonic Hall, Wyndham on Saturday evening to join with members of the local R.S.A. In celebrating the annual reunion. Mr S. Clark presided and Mr J. Fraser was toast-master and. among the many visitors present were Lieutenant-Col-onel W. Bell, Colonel E. F. Selby, Mr A. Wachner, Mayor of Invercargill, and Mr L. Harber, chairman of the Wyndham Town Board. A cordial welcome was extended to all present by Mr Clark. “Fallen Comrades” was honoured with dimmed lights during which the hymn “Abide With Me” was sung and Mr D. N. A. Macphersfin sang "Requiem.” In reply to the toast of “The Army, Navy, Air Force and Mercantile Marine,” Lieutenant-Colonel Bell said it was difficult to place any of these units in first place as each had its own particular job to do. He was pleased to see so many men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. present as the old "diggers” had confidence in them to finish the job they had left undone 25 years ago. While we had an Army, Navy and Air Force second to none we should also remember the mercantile marine for doing a great job when no part of the sea was safe for Allied shipping at the present time. In conclusion Lieutenant-Colonel Bell asked those present to remember that the fighting was not all on the debit side and no matter how many battles we may have lost, we would win the final battle and be victorious.

Responding on behalf of the N.Z.R.S.A. Mr Wachner said he was pleased to hear that the men of the present fighting forces thought well of the organization. With the men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. coming back and joining up with the various sub-associations it would not be long before the R.S.A. was one of the strongest organizations in New Zealand. Speaking on behalf of the Home Guard, Colonel Selby said that despite many disappointments it was to the credit of the Guardsmen that they had stuck to the organization so faithfully. A pleasing factor was that so many returned soldiers were taking part and their experience was a big asset. Numerous other toasts were honoured and at intervals a fine programme of concert items was given.