DIGGERS' REUNION

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 26, 9 July 1952, Page 6

DIGGERS' REUNION

WORLD WAR I VETERANS FOREGATHER Twenty-four veterans of World War I sat down to a memorable dinner served at The Terraces Hote.1 on Friday evening June 27, to "jabber, smoke, drink and eat," as one of those present defined the abject of their reunion. The narrative continues: "Jim Stvan started "Operation Reunion" by circulating a round of Ikfuid refreshment to loosen up old memories. It was not long before better and other stories of those 1914-18 years were being freely discussed, together with the names of the various battalions whose officers and ways, were well worth recalling for their doings and characteristics. "Cobkhouse" .being sounded, there was a general move to the diningroonf, where a well laid out table loaded with every appetising thing that one could wish for greeted th,e gratified eye. The chairman for the evening (Mr Sam Williams) proposed the toast of Her Majesty Queen Elizafoeth II, which was honoured with ■zest. The company then fell to work on the gen erous menu. This was set out on an attractive folder bearing on its front cover, 19141918, the R.S.A. badge, and the I toast, "Good Cheer, Diggers." There ( was ample space also for commeratiye autographs. ' The menu itself left nothing to bc desired, the Jhotel chef having ; provided fare to suit all tastes. 1 Various toasts, honoured duringthe banquet helped to enliven the proceedings. Included among the compliments was a toast to Mrs Fearnley, hostess of the Terraces Hotel, n appreciution of her efforts to rmke the occasion a srccess, and -be was oresented with an autographed menu as a memento. Her rc narks in response were received . with applause and cheers. Compliments also were accorded in toast ■'Speeehes in praise of the hotel din-ning-room and kitchen staffs.

The first function of the evening •was the election of a president, .-and Mr Harry Keen was unaminvousiy appointed, there being general recognition of the heavy spade work done by him in getting the reunion going, and the gratifying result of his efforts, as shown by the attendance. Ihe lounge was the next "dugov.i."9 where Bill 'Stowe started p] r.ying all the old ditties of the first world war years. Every man Joined in, no matter what kind of voice he possessed. Then foHowed supper, good-byes, and mutual assurances of another reunion in a

' year's time. The following answered the muster iroll ea 11; Sam Williams, 79563; 1 Driver • J . R. Ryan, 1122; R. Wi Katene ; J. Reid, 10-615; L. Limbrick, R.F.A., 110856; J. Potts, 15650; H. A. Smith, 8-4224; E. J. Arnold, 27-1539; ' W. W. Natona Hira, 60461; H. F. Franklin, 6-1535; E. G. Bloomfield, 2-179; Pat Grey, 19633; S. Crickett, 12-1602; W. Stowe, 73875; H. Steen, 8-848; W. L. Fulljames, 12-2703; R. Mika, 16-1388, W. Wipore, 19469; H. ' Keen, 24-1701; R. Mabey, 11-1191; P. S'ilva, 12-1793; H. Newman and J. ' Rangi.