OLD SOLDIERS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21205, 30 August 1940, Page 9

OLD SOLDIERS

WAIKATO ACTIVITY TRANSFER OF PRESIDENT MEMBERS HELP WAR EFFORT (By “Dink”) [These notes inaugurate a regular publication on Fridays of activities of Returned Soldiers in the Waikato.] It may not be seemly to introduce these notes with a tone of regret, but this feeling is abroad amongst our members owing to the fact that our president, Mr A. J. White, has left the district to take up his residence in Rotorua. After many years of faithful service on the executive committee of the Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association he was, at the last annual general meeting of the association, accorded the honour of being elected to the presidency for the ensuing year. Returned soldier friends of Mr White recently met him at a social gathering, when Mr H. C. M. Norris took the opportunity of expressing the great esteem in which he has been held while among us, and in doing so made a suitable presentation and wished Mr White every happiness in his new home.

Wives and daughters of ex-ser-vicemen, as well as other enthusiastic women, are performing a good service to members of today’s forces in conducting a club for their benefit at the old band room. The “diggers” of today express great appreciation of the women’s efforts in administering to their wants, and are always very keen on having a chat with a returned man. Unfortunately, returned soldiers are not very often in attendance, so now, you old diggers, here is one way in which you may still help. Today’s youngsters will enjoy a yarn with you and your presence will be greatly appreciated.

We extend our hearty congratulations to Mr D. I. Gate, a member of our executive, who has been accepted for service on the administrative staff of the local Defence Office. Mr Gate rose to the rank of SergeantMajor while on active service with the 3rd Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and as a sergeant of today’s instructional staff the trainees will receive the benefit of Mr Gate’s experience of active service.

It is also pleasing to record that another member of our executive in the person of Mr F. G. Watson is at present undergoing a refresher course with the object of taking up instructional duties in the Defence Forces.

The Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association is very desirous of keeping a record of the names of returned soldiers of the last war who are serving overseas with today’s New Zealand Forces. Relatives are asked to supply the names and regimental numbers of any of these men to the association secretary, Mr H. C. M. Norris. Kings Chambers.

Mr A. H. Boulton, a member of the Waikato Association, who served in the last war with the Australian Forces and was a member of the New Zealand Coronation contingent, also for a time a member of the staff of the Hamilton Area Office, is now a Sergeant-Major in the Fiji Defence Forces at Lautoka.