RETURNED SOLDIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1939, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS

♦ CARTERTON BRANCH A YEAR OF PROGRESS. WIDE FIELD OF ACTIVITIES. The annual report of the Carterton sub-branch of the Wairarapa Returned Soldiers' Association, which is signed by the chairman. Mr Alex T. Murray, states:— Once again it gives me great pleasure to present to you the annual report, and balance sheet for the past year. Poppy Day: The ladies of the Women’s institute again took control ol Poppy Day. with the result that another record was attained, 1150 poppies being disposed of, which realised the sum of £57 10s, To the ladies of the Institute and others we tender our sincere thanks. Anzac Day: Approximately 150 diggers paraded on Anzac Day, including some from Masterton, Featherston. Martinborough and Grey town; also z troop of the Legion of Frontiersmen under Captain Don, from Masterton. We marched to the Cenotaph, where a wreath was placed on behalf of the branch. A lament by the Pipe Band and the sounding of the Past Post by Messrs J. Bannin and D. Adams concluded the service at the Cenotaph. The service was then carried on at the Tivoli Theatre, where a most inspiring address was given by Mi' G. G. Hancox, Principal of the Wairarapa College. At the conclusion of the service we marched back to the Bandroom, where the ladies, as per usual, had r. wonderful afternoon tea awaiting us, which we did full justice to. Armistice Day: As usual a good muster of returned men and the public met at the Cenotaph. After the two minutes silence, a wreath was placed on behalf of the branch, and the Last Post was sounded by Mr J. Cosgrove, j Annual Ball: The annual ball was; held in July and was—if possible—even a greater success than in previous years. We express our thanks to the ladies for the’ wonderful manner in which they attended to things in general. Raffle: A raffle was run in conjunction with the ball—a wood box—a profit of £7 15s Gd being made for same.

Benefit Night: A picture benefit night was given to us by the management of the Tivoli Theatre, from which we realised a net profit of £6 4s. To the management and Mr R. Forbes and his staff we tender our sincere thanks.

Flagpole: Mrs Quinn, of the Club Hotel, donated a flagstaff to the local branch. Many thanks Mrs Quinn. Social Evening: As in the past we gave the ladies of our committee and other helpers an evening, which took the form of a dance, to show our appreciation for all they have done for us.

Social: On October 9 a stag party was held in the Masonic Hall. After a good musical programme and a most interesting lecture on the history, etc., of the Legion of Frontiersmen by Sergeant Wallis, supper was partaken of, and a pleasant evening brought to a close.

Dance: A dance was held at Te Whiti in October, and another at Dalefield on Armistice night. Both were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. To our members at Te Whiti and Dalefield and their wives and all those who helped make both functions such a . great success, many thanks. Savage Club: An invitation was received and accepted from the Carterton Savage Club "(Waiohine Tribe) to attend a Korero. Needless to say, a most enjoyable evening was spent, Many thanks Big Chief Haff and savages of the Waiohine Tribe.

Fitness Week: The branch was invited to take part in a parade which brought to a close Fitness Week, and quite a number turned up. A team was entered for the tug-of-war, but unfortunately we were out-pulled. Mr P. A. Cole: Mr Cole was unanimously elected a hon. life member of the W.R.S.A. I think you all know, diggers, just what the above gentleman has done —not only during the

war, but since the war ended —for the benefit of the digger.

Australian Visit: After a full discussion by your committee it was decided unanimously that this branch hold all moneys collected for the entertainment of the Australian visitors. Mr G. Rabbits was appointed treasurer of this fund. Loan Account: The committee considered a number of applications for loans for assistance during the year. To the trustees of this account, Messrs P. A. Cole, H. E. Jackson and D, L. Taverner, f wish to express the thanks of the branch. Central Executive: On behalf of the Carterton Branch I wish to thank the Central Executive for its untiring efforts on behalf of the returned men ot the Wairarapa, especially Mr A. E. Prentice, the secretary of W.R.S.A. Deceased Members: During the past twelve months two of our members passed away. I refer to Messrs Melville King and John Boyd. Melv., as you all know, was a most valued member of this committee. •■Scottie" Boyd, in addition-to having seen active service in the Great War also saw active service in the South African War.

Sick List: During the past twelve months two of our members have been on the sick list, H. Bain and H. Meyrick. I am pleased io say they are both on the road to recovery. Thanks: To the Borough Council I would tender the sincere thanks of the Carterton Branch R.S.A. for its helpful association, and to the Press for its valuable assistance at all times. Also to the Carterton Municipal Band, and especially the South Wairarapa Pipe Band, which parades without any hesitation whatsoever to any function lhe R.S.A. may have on hand. To the citizens of Carterton and district 1 wish to express the sincere thanks of lhe Carterton Branch R.S.A. for their loyal support at all times. In conclusion 1 wish to thank the members of my committee, especially .Mr Gibt •Johnston, for their support during my term of office.