PONGAROA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1939, Page 7

PONGAROA

SOLDIERS FAREWELLED

R.S.A. FUNCTION.

(“Times-Age" Special.)

On Monday evening the Pongaroa Returned Soldiers’ Association farewelled the local men who were leaving for service with the special military force. A gathering of about forty, presided over by the president of the R.S.A:, included a number of men who had enlisted, but had not yet been accepted for service, and also representatives of the War Relief Association.

During the evening various toasts were honoured, and entertainment was provided by Messrs C. T. Millar, C. Reid, M. Moynihan, G. Smith. M. Dillon and A. P. Campbell, who as pianist, led a sing song of old service melodies.

In proposing the toast of the Akitio War Relief Association. Mr H. Harold expressed the appreciation of all returned men for the way the local association had carried out the administation of the fund during the past twenty years. Adverse criticism was often heard, always by people who had never made any attempt to find out the true facts, but returned soldiers who required assistance knew that they were sure of fair and sympathetic treatment from the Association.

Mr W. E. Davies, in returning thanks on behalf of the War Relief Association, pointed out that the work of the Association was essentially confidential as the, investigation of men’s affairs when considering relief cases, must in fairness W., the men concerned, be known on 1J to members. However, of the original fund of £5500 the Association still had £5300, which was in striking contrast to many bigger districts, where the funds had been exhausted years ago. Although the fund was so healthy, no applications for relief have been turned down, unless for very sound reasons, and after the fullest investigations, while in every year a considerable number of straightout grants were made, all from the interest earned by the loans to soldiers and other investments. Any ex-servicemen passing through (on the road), was helped with food or clothing if he required it. Mr Davies also paid tribute to the unselfish work of his colleagues, and the chairman, Mr T. A. Yeoman, who had year after year devoted their time and care to the administration of the fund.

Mr S. W. Eunsen, the Relief Association’s secretary, also spoke of the 1 methods by which the fund was dispersed, and the careful handling as revealed by the records. Mr Ai M. Theed, who with Mr A. Dickson, represents the R.S.A. on the War Relief Association, pointed out how extremely valuable to the returned men was the fact that the fund had not been dissipated, as every year now, more men were, with age and the result of war service, becoming “burnt out” and in need of assistance.

The toast of the Pongaroa R.S.A. was proposed by Mr A. P. Campbell, who said that he knew of ■’ the good work being done by the R.S.A. and in such a small district as this. Their efforts tov/ards assisting the less fortunate comrades was deserving of the fullest support, and it was to be hoped they would achieve their desire of having the assistance and membership of every returned man in the district. In replying on behalf of the returned soldiers, Mr Theed expressed the gratitude of the men for the long continued help of the public. The Association came into being in the latter years of the war, most men joining on their return to New Zealand, probably largely in a desire to keep in touch with friends and comrades made on active service. However, the membership fell away over the following years until men realised that the Association could be and was. of great value for the mutual help and strong support in time of need, in the righting of injustices and in helping the distressed. He also pointed out that the poppy fund established originally, for the assistance of the children of deceased French soldiers, had for many years now been entirely devoted to relieving distress among ex-servicemen. Every penny derived from the sale of poppies in the district, went for the purpose, firstly, by paying a small sum to the disabled soldiers, who made the poppies and whose livelihood it was, the balance going through the local branch to assist in urgent cases. In this respect, a few pounds immediately available was often of even more value to the recipient than a larger grant, from a central fund, which might take weeks or eveii months to obtain.

Mr M. Moynihan, in a very amusing and happy vein, proposed the toast of the district's links with the outer world —the motor services—and his anecdotes and rhymes were most entertaining. Messrs P. H. Donovan, G. Smith and G. Jensen responded and emphasised their desire to co-operate in every way with residents to further the interests of the county. In proposing the toast of the evening, the chairman pointed out that the R.S.A. had organised the farewell as there is yet no local Patriotic Committee. Those present were there to honour the men of the district, who were leaving for service. Unfortunately, all could not be present that night, but the full list was: Messrs M. Harold (already in camp), J. Leeming, W. G. H. McDougall, J. H McGill, D. Harold, D. C. Reid, Cameron and Smith. The district was proud of these men. and just as proud of those others, many of whom were present, who had also offered their services even though they had not been called upon yet. None of them know what they might be called upon to do, but all those who knew them were satisfied that whatever services were asked of them, and wherever they might go, they would give t good account of themselves, and uphold the reputation earned in previous campaigns by New Zealand’s forces. In concluding, Mr Theed said he felt the best he could wish them, was that they would all become returned soldiers. Mr W. E. Davies also expressed his best wishes to the men who were going away, and hoped their service would neither be lengthy of arduous. Mr H. Hqrold. in farewelling the men, asked- them to take their bad time with ti fortitude and wished them every good' fortune. Other toasts were honoured a'.nd the evening ended with the singing -of Auld Lang Syne.

LECTURE ON INDIA

BY REV. F. A. BENNETT.

On Friday evening the Rt. Rev. F A. Bennett. Bishop of Aotearoa, paid a visit to Pongaroa, and delivered r splendid lantern lecture on “India.” Recently he visited this country as representative of the Anglican Churches of New Zealand as delegate to

the Missionary Conference at Badras. The speaker explained the wonderful work done by the missionaries, and dealt with habit and customs of the peoples ofr India. Most of the slides were from actual photographs, taken by the Bishop which made for added interest. The church was well fillet' with local people and school children, and there were also present many residents from Waione and Rakaunui. Mr Owen introduced the speaker and thanked them for their attendance. There was a retiring collection and the proceeds went towards the parish missionary assessment.