EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1940, Page 7

EKETAHUNA

RETURNED SOLDIERS ANNUAL RE-UNION. (“Times-Age” Special.) The annual re-union of the Eketahuna branch of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall last night, when the president (Mr. S. H. Herbert) presided over a large gathering of members. Also present were a number of recruits who will enter camp during the next few days. The proceedings opened with the loyal toast, after which Mr. H. Deancc gave his experiences during his stay in England in the early months of the war. Mr. T. Hancock proposed the toast of the “Local Authorities,” saying that the borough and county councils have been of great assistance to the branch, especially with the observance of Anzac Day. Mr. J. B. Carruthers, county chairman, in reply, stated that his council was very grateful for the assistance received from the R.S.A. in the various districts in organising emergency committees and also in the collection of funds for the various appeals. Mr. W. Simpson, mayor, said that they had to realise that New Zealand had no better citizens than the members of the R.S.A. Everybody appreciated the fact that the R.S.A. was solidly behind the war effort. A quarter-hour of community singing was heartily enjoyed. Mr. A. H. Herbert said that he was proud to welcome the recruits, whom he referred to as members of “the new army.” The R.S.A. was going to see that when the present troops returned they would receive a just treatment. If the country's war effort was not stiffened then we must take the consequences, he said. Everyone in the country must get behind the war effort, and he appealed to all to support the patriotic appeal to their utmost. He assured the men who were entering camp that the R.S.A. was looking after' their interests. Mr. P. Jones, on behalf of the recruits. returned thanks for the kind invitation and welcome extended to them. The toast of “Headquarters of the N.Z.R.S.A.” was proposed by Mr. W. Hornblow, who said the affairs of the organisation could not be in better hands. The “heads” were greatly assisting the Government with the farming soldiers. Mr. A. Golder replied. Mr. A. B. Fordyce proposed the toast of “Kindred Associations,” and said thjit it was good to know that the R.S.A. was so thoroughly organised. The toast of “Absent Friends,” proposed by Mr. A. Golder, was honoured Tn the customary manner. Several apologies for absence were read by the president, and these included those from the president and secretary of the Wairarapa Association, and the president of the Patriotic Association. He' also commented on the absence of Mr.'Dick Walters, who was uriable to attend on account of illness. “The Ladies” was proposed by Mr. Watson Pryde. and responded to by Mr. W. Ryan. “South African Veterans” was proposed by Mr. N. H. Herbert, replied to by Mr. Alex Chambers. “The Press” was proposed by Mr. S. Daniel. A most enjoyable social concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne. Messrs H. Deance. H. Bailey and T. Hancock contributed much-appreciated items during the evening. Personal items. Mr. R. Walters is at present confined to his bed. Mrs. E. Farrow and Mrs. T. H. Moore (Christchurch) are visiting Mr. and Mrs. F. Schormann, Parkville.