RETURNED SOLDIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 August 1940, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS

QUARTERLY REUNION. The quarterly re-union of members of the Eketahuna Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Saturday, when there was a large attendance, including members of the Pahiatua branch. Several soldiers were accorded a warm welcome. The vice-president, Mr A. B. Fordyce presided. After the Loyal Toast had been honoured, that of "Absent Comrades,” was proposed by Mr Fordyce, "Kindred Associations and South African Veterans,” was proposed by Mr T. Hancock, and replied to by Messrs R. Mabey (Pahiatua R.S.A.), and M. Herbert (South African Veterans). In proposing the toast of “R.S.A. Headquarters,” Mr W. Hornblow said that members were fortunate in having such capable men on the executive. He could assure the soldiers now going away that the Association would see to it that their interests would be safeguarded when they returned home. In reply Mr M. Shale said that it was a grand thing for Headquarters to know that it had the loyal support of the Associations. The Rev L. Ives also spoke in reply.

Mr W. Simpson proposed the toast of the Eketahuna R.S.A. and said that it was a good thing to hold regular reunions. The various Associations had been formed by the men who had borne the heat and burden of the day. Today the Returned Soldiers’ Associaton was a power in the land, and had done so much to make the outlook of many returned men brighter. The Eketahuna Association had, in Colonel Herbert a good leader, who had taken a keen interest in the branch since its inception. Mr A. H. Herbert suitably replied. Other toasts honoured were, "Army, Navy and Air Force" (Mr A. Golder — Mr H. Mason); “The Third Echelon," (Mr Fordyce—Gunner Oldham, Mr J. E. Monaghan also replied on behalf of the parents); “The Ladies” (Mr M. Morriss —Mr McAlister), "The Press," (Mr S. Daniel).

A programme of vocal items was rendered during the evening by the following:—Messrs F. Robinson, B. Mountjoy, McAlister, W. Oldham, W. Spring. F. Sigvertsen, R. Walters and Max Smith.

The enjoyable re-union terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and the National Anthem.

Plunket Society.

At the monthly meeting of the Eketahuna branch of the Plunket Society Mrs Albrechtsen presided over a fair attendance of members.

The secretary gratefully acknowledges the following donations: —Mrs H. Cooper. Mrs Schnell. Mrs S. Daniel Mrs Wilton. Mrs Roach, Mrs Sigvertsen. Mrs G. Shannon. 5s each.