R.S.A.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18676, 27 April 1926, Page 13

R.S.A.

RANGIORA. The annual general meeting of the Kan triors. Branch of the Returned Soldiers Association was held in tbo Northern A. and P. Association's hall on Saturday night. The vice-president! Mr J, VT. MacLeod, occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of about GO returned men. The Mayor and Councillors C. I. Jennings, R. Bail®?! C. W. Tyler, and the clerk to the County Council, Mr J. Marshall, were also present. At the opening of the meeting the chairman briefly referred to the loss the Association had sustained in tho death of their late president, Captain F. J. Horrell, and a motion of sympathy to tho family w <* 3 passed in silence, all standing. The chairman extended a welcome to the Mayor and councillors, honorary members, and members of other organisations represented, and congratulated the returned men on showing their interest in the Association by attending the meeting in such large numbers. The committee in their annual report stated that the membership was not nearly as strong as it should be, and it was regrettable to state that quite a number of the returnen soldiers have the idea that now they have settled down to civilian life, the Association was unnecessary. Tho members are probably not aware of the amount of business still transacted by the secretary, business which it was unnecessary to bring before the members of the Association. The report referred to tho untimely death of tho lata president of the Association, Captain F. J. Horrell. The average member was not aware of the amount of work, time, and expense the late Captain Horrell had put into the affairs of, the Association. Not only has tho Association suffered a great loss, but the Dominion as a whole has suffered through the loss of a capablo flying officer, and the Association extended its heartfelt sympathy to the relatives. The card socials held during the winter months had been a decided success. In referring to the Poppy Day effort tho report stated that the committee are indebted to tho band of ladies who, year after year, sold poppies in tho interests of the disabled men. The thanks of the Association were due to the ministers of the various Churches for arranging the services on Anzac Day. The finances of the Association were satisfactory. There were many returned men who were not members of the Association; they hoped these men would see their way to join up and assist in making the Association a real live body. The receipts were £ll3 14s 7d, and expenditure £76 10s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £37 4s 4d, being £ll 83 10d bettor than the previous year. The assets over liabilities amounted to £63 18s 4d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr C. Devlin; vice-presidents, Messrs J. W. MacLeod, W. Gardner, and J. Marshall; committee, Messrs C. E Bell, A. Breach, H, K. Kippenberger, F. W. Reynolds, J. Wood, A. Tweedie, L. W. Men«ie«, E. Ellis, F. Lqwe, F. Hunt, T. Shankland; advisory board, president, Messrs J. Miltafiajl, W. Gardner, and J. C. Thompson; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. R. Pike. Eleven new members and thirteen honorary members were elected. WAIAU REUNION. The annual reunion of the Returned Soldiers of the Waiau district was held in the Pilblio Hall on Saturday night. As usual, it partook of the nature of a dinner, followed by a sooial hour, and a splendid spirit of camaraderie was shown throughout. Among tlfc guests were Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., and Mr H. J. Knight, president of the Christchurch Returned Soldier#' Association, and party. Punctually at 7.30 p.m. the Reveille sounded, and Returned Soldiers and their guests, to the number of 100. trooped into the hall. Mr G. H. Reid presided. The dinner completed, a lengthy toast list, interspersed with musical and othec items, was entered upon. The toast of "The King" having been honoured, the chairman made feeling reference to the late Col. R. A. Chaffey, and to his genial personality at all previous functions, and asked all to stand in Silence for a few moments as a mark of respect to his memory. He aleo spoke in appreciation of Mr Forbes's presence, he having made the trip from Cheviot for the occasion, and welcomed Mr H. J. his party from Christchuroh. The toast list was then proceeded with, and was as follows: —"Fallen Comrades," proposed by Mr L. Burrows and honoured in silence; "The Army," proposed by Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., and responded to by Mr L. R. C. Macfftrlane; "The Navy'and Air Force," proposed by Mr Cross and responded to by Mr K. Pettlgrew and- Mr T. F. Nortkcote; "Our Guests," proposed by Mr E. Stackhouse and responded to by Messrs J". 8. Northcote and H.'J. Knight; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr W. D. Banks and responded to by Mr A. H. Baker; "The Press," proposed by Rev. J. Newlands and responded to by Mr G. W. Aldridge; "The Returned Soldiers," proposed by Major J. A. Northcote and responded to by Mr H. J. Knight; "The Ch&rman," proposed by Mr G. W. Forbes and responded to by Mr G. H. Reid; "The Secretary Mid his Wife," proposed by Mr E. Stackhouse and responded to by Mr A. G. Creed. During the evening musical and other items were contributed by Messrs L. Cummins, E. Cummins, L. Burrows, Owen, R. Monson, and Braisher, and were highly appreciated. A wholly dolightful and successful function was brought to a conclusion by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.