Kaiapoi R.S.A. Jubilee

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32164, 6 December 1969, Page 23

Kaiapoi R.S.A. Jubilee

More than 150 persons relobrated the jubilee of the Kaiapoi Returned Servicemen's Association at a buffet tea and social function held in the eaeodation'e hall recently. Among those present were the district neepreaident of tiie New Zealand R.SA. (Mr J. Bailey) and Mm Bailey, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs H. 0. BUM), the member ef Parliament for Rangwra (Mr H. L Pickering) and Mie Pickering, the president of tile Christchurch R.SA. (Mr J, Green), the president of tile Pepamri subbranch (Mr L. Clark), and JJ" Rodent of tiie Rangiora R-SA. (Mr J. T. Rodgers) and Mm Rodgers. The Kaiapoi president (Mr B- J. M- Millar) expressed special greetings tn Messrs G. Hirst, J. Rennie and the association’s Gold Star

uon s uoia 3W. The toast to the national body was proposed by Mr C. A. Rice, and in his reply Mr Bailey extended greetings from the president (Sir Hamilton Mitchell) and congratulations from South Canterbury. Mr L. Linklater, the first tiie Second N.Z.E.F. tn join Kaiapoi in 1941, proposed the toast to Visiting Associations," referring to tiie dose bond between all and the common ideal of working to obtain the best assistance for all servicemen, regardless of which conflict In reply, Mr Green commended the inclusion of women ip activities as much ag possible for Mie association's good image. Mr Rodgers reminded those present that the celebrations were held to recognise the work of tiie founders, and stressed that the utmost must be undertaken by the present members for those of earlier yearn. Mr Clark congratulated Kaiapoi on its progress, particularly during the last 20 years, and said it was evidence it was doing its share for tile community, “The association is a very select body; it is something

iwe have had to fight for, to il become a member," said Mr - Clark. Support Of Community The toast to the Kaiapoi community was proposed by Mr T. F. Coup, who recalled local community support in farewells, food parcels, Red Cross activities, welcome home functions, and tiie efforts of Patriotic and Rehabilitation Committees. In tracing the various meeting places Of the association, .he said that when appeals were made to the public, generous donations and work at Queen carnivals had enabled the purchase of the present property, which had become an amenity to the town. “We are stiH appealing to tin public in poppy sales and Christmas raffles and locally we are well supported. The community recorded its ap-

predetion with the erection of the war memorials; I tape that understanding and cooperation will continue in tiw future,” said Mr Coup. In reply, Mr HHla commended tite association's : work in Kaiapoi and said he taped that the public's support would continue for tiia next 50 years. Women's Section Proposing tta toast to tiie “Women’s Section,” Mr A.Wilson paid a tribute to its participation in the association's affairs and in reply the president (Mis F. Bernard) expressed her appreciation on behalf of the membership of about 80, of whom about 25 attended meetings. “We have helped all along the road to get the men to where they are today," said Mm Barnard. Members had undertaken fund - raising efforts, house-toboiße collections, poppy sales, and given donations regularly to Heritage, the welfare fund and War Anmutees.

Mrs Barnard asked for more support from the wives of executive members and suggested future projects I which were required within the aesodation. “Exist To Perish” Mr Hills proposed the toast I to the Kaiapoi association, I and in reply Mr Millar said that it would continue to co- | operate with civic organise- i tions and support, but not | compete, with youth organise- I tions. “We exist to perish; I hope I we will not last 100 years. | We are purely a welfare I

organisation to members, but I consider we have never failed to measure up to the standards required for good dtiienship,” said Mr Millar. “While Need Exists" Mr Hirst said that the foundation of activities since the association's inception bad been the emphasis placed on the person in need, and this had kept the whole machinery working throughout the half-century, and would continue to do so while need existed.

The anniversary cake was eut by Meedames Millar and Wilson. At 8 p.m. a ceremony of remembrance was held, “Last Post" and "Reveille” being sounded by Bugler R. Regan. The photograph shows Mrs R. J. M. Millar, on the left, and Mrs A. Wilson cutting the anniversary cake at the celebrations.