ANZAC DINNER.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1919, Page 4

ANZAC DINNER.

RETUBKED SOLDIERS ENTERTAIN' VETERANS. The annual Anzac Day dinner, whereat the returned soldiers entertained the veterans and some of their Mends, took place last night in the Good Templar llail and was a most successful function. The arrangements were carried out by the Women's Patriotic Committee, under the direction of the Mayoress (Mrs. 0. H. Burgess), who deserve the best thanks of all concerned for tha uplendid way in which they carried everything out. The hall was decorated profusely with ferns, greenery, flowers, and fln<>3, and made to appear most attractive, and the decoration of the table* was most artistic. A special word of thanks is due to Messrs W. Ambury and J. R. Hill for carrying out the deooration of the building. About 120 aat down to the dinner.

The Ven. Archdeacon Evans presided, and in a few well-chosen words welcomed the guests in the name qf the Returned Soldiers' Association, and Mrs, Burgess and the Women's Patriotic Committee. He specially welcomed the veterans, expressing regret that one by one they were passing away, remarking that four of their number had been laid to rest within the last three weeks. He offered apologies for absence from the Rev. EL L. Richards, the Hon. 0. Samuel, Mr." W. T. Jennings, "M.P., and Mr. H. New land. . The toast-list was not lengthy and the speeches were commendably brief. After i the loyal toast, which was given by the president, that of the "Army and Navy" was proposed by Colonel Weston and responded to by Mr. G. Adlam. "Absent Comrades" was proposed by Mr. Southern, and received in silence in memory of the • dead, J

Captain Hartnell, in proposing the • toast of "The Veterans" said it was ) they who had made it possible far New Zealand to send away the contingents ; she did. It was fitting that they should , be present on such an occasion, and so V long as there were any of them left the V younger soldiers would deem it \their duty and delight to honor them. It Was > in reality the same tradition they had : upheld that the soldiers of the present / had fought for, and it was the spirit of tli e old veterans that had inspired tin young soldiers. Mr. W. D. Webster replied on behalf of the veterans.

Mr. Bertrand proposed the toast of "The Returned Soldiers," and Mr. W. P. Okey responded. One of the vary popular toasts of the evening was c QCrs. Burgess, the Women's Patriotic Committee, and the young ladies who provided tea at the rooms." This was proposed by Mr. A. Allen, the Mayor replying. The final toast was that of "The Press," proposed by Arclideacon Evans. Ail the toasts were enthusiastically received and accorded the customary musical honorsDuring the dinner selections were •jilaved by Mrs. Wood (piano) and Iffiss Millar (violin) and were much appndated.

After the dinner the hall waa cleared of tables, and the guests were entertained to a very enjoyable programme of musical and elocutionary items given hr Mrs. H. Tj. Richards, Mrs. Wilkes, Mrs. Skelton, Captain Allen. Messrs W, P. Okey, C. Webster, New, Wells, and Skelton," all of which were enthusiastically • emcorad, as were the items given by the member? of the Male Choir. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Sfeel- : ton. Miss Chons, and Mr. R. GraveAt tho conclusion Archdeacon Evans fittingly thanked all who had contributed towards the evening's enjoyment, and the t proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.