HAWERA R.S.A. CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1921, Page 5

HAWERA R.S.A. CLUB.

FOUNDATION STONE LAID. The foundation stone of the new Soldiers’ Club in Hawera was laid by Mr. R. H. Nolan, injhe presence of a very large crowd of people on Anzac Day. Mr. Patterson, president of the local branch of the R.S.A., in addressing the gathering, said they had been looking forward to the occasion for quite a long time. It was about two and a half years ago that they started to raise money for the club. The present club had in the past served its purpose very well, and they were greatly indebted to those who had raised the pioney for the old club, provided* afternoon teas, en- , abled a welcome to be given to every returned soldier, arid assisted them in other ways. The efforts made to raise money for the new building had been most successful, and they had now a sum of £4500. They did not anticipate having to spend so much money, and had thought that £3OOO would be sufficient, but the cost of building had increased, making the larger amount necessary. They had with them that day Mr. R. H. Nolan. (Applause.) “I am sure,” continued Mr. Patterson, “that the bf Mr. Nolan's name will meet in any part of. New Zealand with the same response that it has ’here.” He had won the esteem of every soldier, and those who visited the club he controlled at Home during the war entertained a feeling of the deepest gratitude towards him. On behalf of the R.S.A. he had pleasure in presenting Mr. Nolan, in recognition of the good work he had clone, with an honorary member’s badge, making him a life member of the association with all the privileges of a returned soldier. He hoped that Mr. Nolan would long live to wear the badge. After presenting the badge, Mr. Patterson called for three cheers for Mr. Nolan, and the crowd heartily responded. —Star.