EX-SERVICEMEN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21217, 13 September 1940, Page 7

EX-SERVICEMEN

WAIKATO ACTIVITIES RETURNED SOLDIERS’ NOTES MAJOR-GENERAL YOUNG’S VISIT (By “Dink.”) Major-General R. Young, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., who is well known to most returned soldiers, both as an infantry brigadier in the last war and afterwards as General Officer Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, was in Hamilton last week in connection with his recent appointment as officer commanding the Home Guard. Looking as young as ever and retaining his old energy he is approaching the task of organising his new force with a keenness and wealth of experience which augurs well for future activities. The social evening which marked the first birthday of the Class 11. National Reserve went with a swing and a pleasant time was spent. The old diggers can always be depended upon to introduce some new departure, or, should we say in this instance, some new ‘ prior-to-depart-ure.’ Dne well-known and efficient member as the evening progressed made it apparent that his ability as a tactician was still as bright as ever when he was observed shaking hands with those near him at the same time remarking, “ I’ll say good-bye now while I can see you.” Mr A. C. Munro of the Morrinsville Returned Soldiers’ Association is now a sapper with the 13th Railway Construction Company. A true story is told of a certain staff officer who recently inspected the | troops at one of the training camps, j After watching a soldier at target practice on the rifle range he wen 4 , with him to the target and there explained very carefully the reason why each shot had failed to make a better j mark than it did. The soldier list- ; ened intently, scratched his head, then | remarked, “ Perhaps there may be ! something in what you say.”

It may not be out of place in this column to commend the excellent marching and general efficiency displayed by the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteer Corp in the parade last Sunday. This must primarily be attributed to the corps’ own keenness and enthusiasm for their duty, and secondly to Mr W. Hebditch for his part as sergeant-instructor to the unit.

It is interesting to note that some five hundred soldiers, both Maori and Pakeha, were entertained in the old bandroom during last week-end by the League of Wives and Mothers of ex-Servicemen and men of His Majesty’s Forces. To provide this large , 1 number with refreshments was no light task and speaks volumes for the ladies who so unselfishly give up their , time to this very necessary underj taking. This duty is undertaken I each week-end by organised groups | of the League and many are the ex--1 pressions of gratitude made by the men. A visitor’s book kept on the premises was last week-end signed by some four hundred of the men, and is well worth an inspection to see just how much this service is i appreciated. The thanks of the ! League are extended to those who so I kindly gave the necessary small I goods for afternoon tea. So generous was this effort that the ladies were enabled to extend their activities to the soldiers in the West School Auxiliary Hospital. I was pleased to hear from Secretary Jim Thornton, of the Te Kuiti Returned Soldiers’ Association, makI ing enquiries about our column. I To date there has not been any re- ! sponse from other branches of the R.S.A. in reply to our request for notes for this column. Will the individual secretaries please qote and j make amends?