VETERANS' REUNION DINNER

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 67, 29 April 1953, Page 5

VETERANS' REUNION DINNER

Men Of 1914-18 Thirty veterans of the First World War, including twenty-five members of the Taupo R.S.A., and five visiting servicemen, were present on Friday evening^ last at a reunion dinner at the Terraces Hotel, organised by the Taupo Diggers under their enthusiastic Reunion President, Mr Harry Keen. Among those present were representatives of the NeW Zealand and Australian Forces, the Royal Navy, the Imperial Army, and the Royal Flying Corps. Mr Harry, Keen founder of this annual event was in the chair', with Mr Sam Williarns, a Boer War veteran, acting as masteir of ceremonies.

The dining room had been beautifully decorated by Mrs Fearnley and her willing helpers. A large Union Jack was placed above and behind the chairman's table, flanked by tree feins,4 and red, white and blue decorations. The table decorations followed the same coloutr pattern, and their setting and arrangement was most tastefully done. A striking feature of the centre table was a small artistically designed green field, with cross and red poppies, symbolising the fields of Flanders.

The proceedings commenced with the honouring of the toast of "The Queen,', followed by that of "Fallen Comrades.,, The menu set on a most attractive commemorative fold-^ er, fully justified' the chaiirman's preliminary notice of the dinner, which had described it as "the best show north of the South Pole." An event of the evening was the presentation of a buquet to the hostess, Mrs Feairnley, and of posies to each of her staff acting as "mess crderlies/' in appreciation of their most successful efforts. The festivities were interspersed with the singing of such First World War Songs as "Tipperary," "There's a Long, Long Trail" and "Keep the Home Fires Burning," and enlivened with talk and stories of the comradeship of far-off days. Mr Norman Waro officiated in happy manner at the piano.

Mr Sam Williams was elected ehairman for the next 1914-18 Reunion Dinner, and Mr Paul Silva seoretary. The date appointed for the next reunion was April 23, 1954. One of the features of, the supper was a sucking pig, which had been donated for the occasion by Mr Bert Booth, whose thoughtfulness was mnch appreciated.