WAIRARAPA R.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 March 1939, Page 6

WAIRARAPA R.S.A.

SOCIAL GATHERING LAST NIGHT. VISIT OF NEW ZEALAND SECRETARY. About 120 ex-servicemen attended a social gathering held in Masterton last night by th.e Wairarapa Returned Soldiers’ Association. The president, Mr H. J. Brass, who presided, welcomed the guest of the evening Mr S. J. Harrison, 0.8. E., ge - eral secretary of the New Zealand R.S.A., and congratulated him on the honour recently conferred on him. In acknowledging the welcome Mr Harrison, who was warmly received, said it was a pleasure for him to come and meet the Wairarapa “Diggers.” He said he regarded his 0.8. E. as a recognition of the work of the R.S.A., rather than as a personal honour.' .. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs J. B. McPherson, R. G. Gilbert, G. L. Dickel and E. Graham, while Mr F. L. Price created considerable amusement with his lightning blackboard sketches. Mr J. W. Barnard, of Greytcwn, was heartily applauded for several recitations. The accompaniments were played by Mr T. E. Handcock. An aspect of the Great War not previously touched on in Masterton, was described by Mr A. G. Wallis, who Was a member of the crew of the H.M.S. Daffodil, which took part in the destruction of the mole and the blocking of the channel entrance at Zeebrugge. the German submarine base. By means of diagrams on a blackboard, Mr Wallis described the operations, which were followed with keen interest. During the evening, Mr Brass referred to the growth in the financial membership of the "‘association, and also to the interest being taken in the comingvisit to New Zealand of a contingent of Australian ex-servicemen to take part in the centennial celebrations. A party of 500, he said, would be visiting the Wairarapa. At the conclusion of the social programme an enjoyable supper was served.