R.S.A. ANNUAL RE-UNION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 13026, 3 May 1940, Page 4

R.S.A. ANNUAL RE-UNION

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION ENJOYED BY DIGGERS TOAST LIST HONOURED Over one hundred ex-servicement were present in the Rivoli Hall on Anzac Eve for the annual re-union of the Western Bay of Plenty Returned Soldiers Association. The President, Lieut. J. R. Bongard, opened the proceedings by extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, which included the guest of the evening Rev. Father Eccleston, three life members, Dr J. B. MacDiarmid, Dr J. Mark and SergeantMajor Mclntosh, and Pte. Wadsworth a member of the 2nd Echelon. He also referred to, the excellent results of the Poppy Day collections of Tauranga .and Te Puke, which were received with " prolonged applause. Toasts Honoured The toast list opened with the Loyal toast to “His Majesty The King,” proposed by the President, and honoured by all present. The toast of “Absent Comrades” was proposed by Mr P. Cook, of Te Puke, at the conclusion of which all stood while Mr Owen Knight sang Stevenson’s “Requiem.”’ Captain Good proposed the toast to the “Ladies and Nurses,” the reply being in the hands of Mr W. Norris. The Services were honoured in the toast proposed by Mr Goodacre to the “Navy, Army and Air Force” and replied to by Lieut. Adams and Pte. Wadsworth. In introducing Father Eccleston to the gathering, Lieut. Bongard referred to the many occasions on which the guest of honour had been associated with the executive in dealing with cases requiring assistance, and said he had always been impressed with the humanitarian motives by which Father Eccleston had been actuated. Lieut. Bongard also referred to the .appreciation of the exservicemen for the work being done by Father Eccleston as. Vice-Presi-dent of the Territorial Association, and Chairman of the Patriotic Committee.

He then called upon Father Eccleston to propose the toast of the “N.Z.R.S.A.” In proposing the toast, the guest of honour gave an inspiringaddress (reported elsewhere), and which was replied to by SergeantMajor Mclntosh.

Supper was then served, followed by the Roll Call and the toast to “Kindred Associations” proposed by Mr Switzer, and replied to by Mr Caurachan, president of the Rotorua R.S.A., and Mr Kelso, President of the Katikati R.S.A. Entertainment for the evening was provided by six members of the Municipal Band under the conductor Mr G. C. Mockler. Marching tunes and popular songs: followed in quick succession, and Avere enthusiastically received by the members. Items also much appreciated were given by Mr Vince Cassin, on the piano accordian.

The whole programme Avas eminently suitable to the occasion, and the Diggers expressed their appreciation in no uncertain manner. The hour was late when the gathering dispersed after what Avas unanimously agreed- as the most enjoyable function of its kind yet held by the Association.