R. S. A.

Dunstan Times, 13 May 1935, Page 5

R. S. A.

Re-union at Alexandra.

Executive Officers Present

The annual Re-union of the Alexandra District Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Town Hall Alexandra on Thursday last when a very happy time was spent. Mr H. L Denniston was an ideal chairman, who kept things going well. While there were no dull moments, and much laughter and banter proceedings were remarkably orderly for a gathering of the kind. There was an attendance of 50 odd, including several visitors— Col. Falconer £ Mr Ferens (president and secretary respectively of the Otago R S.A.), Mr Ben Ellis (South African Veteran), Mr (Jhas Weaver (Vincent County Council) Mr W. Bringans (Mayor of Alexandra) and Mr Bodkin M.P. After the customary loyal toast and the singing of the National Anthem the Chairman proposed “Absent Comrades.” Mr E. W. George proposed the toast "of “ The Army, Navy and Air Force,’’ and in doing so stressed the fact that in the recent war both the Army and Navy had performed valiantly, living up to the glorious traditions of the past, while the Air Force -■ a new factor in warfare—had done wonders which had earned for it the admiration of the whole empire. Mr L M. O’ Donnell responded. Mr McNish contributed a vocal solo in good style, and an encore was insisted upon. The toast of “ Local Bodies” was proposed by Mr McNish, who said that the Diggers had received very fair treatment from both the Vincent County Council and the Borough. Mr C. Weaver responded Community Singing followed, several old war-time favourites being lustily and tunefully sung “TheN Z. RS.A and the Dunedin R.S. A.’’ was proposed by Mr Bringans, who referred to the excellent work these Associations were doing for the returned men and was sure that everybody appreciated this undoubted fact Colonel Falconer, who was welcomed by the chairman on this, his first visit, was warmly applauded on rising to reply, expressed his keen appreciation of the remarks of the Mayor. He made a strong appealfto returned men to link up with the Association Mr Ferens, who was also warmly received, extended his hearty thanks to the ladies who had done such splendid service in the Poppy Day collection—the Otago total being about £2,100, which was hundreds ahead of other parts of New Zealand. The organisation of the country districts was really wonderful, and they deeply appreciated the fact. Two comic songs by Mr Jack Keddeli caused much merriment, and Mr T. W. Holden proposed the toast of ‘The Parliament of New Zealand” to which Mr Bodkin replied. He had been decidedly interested to hear the remarks of Colonel Falconer and Mr Ferens. and was sure that there was no organisation in New Zealand that was better served than the R.S. A. He assured his hearers that any requests which came before Parliament from that body received sympathetic consideration, As far as he was personally concerned he would be glad to assist in the passing of legislation for the betterment of the R. S. A. Mr Jack Dore, in proposing the toast of “The Veterans, 1 ' said that in all branches of the service The Veterans had set a wonderful example and had earned a reputation of which they were all so proud. Mr Alex Taylor and Mr Ben Ellis replied, the other South African veterans present being Messrs J. H. Keddeli and T. W. Holden. In the course of an interesting reply Mr Ellis told several amusing stories which fairly brought down the house. The toast of “The Ladies” was in the capable hands of Mr A. Milne, who spoke feelingly and earnestly of the heroic and self-sacrificing service performed by the ladies daring the war. Mr John Hart responded. Mr Geo, Campbell was encored for his singing of a most appropriate song “John Buil,’’ and then the chairman proposed the toast of “The Visitois”— Messrs Falconer, Bodkin, Weaver, Geo. Campbell and H. Stevens replying A song by Mr F, Whitelock was well received and an encore insisted upon The chairman congratulated their old and esteemed friend Mr Jno, Smart and Mr Bodkin M P. on receiving the royal medal. His remarks were loudly applauded. Mr B. Backholm also received an encore for a well sung song. Mr Harold Preston proposed the toast of the Press and Mr Stevens replied. Mr J. Watt proposed the Mess Orderlies and the Pianists (Messrs Ruff and Brent) and “The Chairman* proposed by Mr Whitelock concluded what was generally voted a splendid reunion

Re-union at Qromweli

At Cromwell on Saturday night there was an attendance of between seventy and eighty visitors being present from Roxburgh, Alexandra, Clyde and Pembroke Colonel Falconer and Messrs Ferens and Ellis, Dunedin were also present, their addresses being listened to with much interest,. Mr L J. Anderson was chairman and is to, be congratulated on the most capable way he controlled what proved to be {both and interesting and very jolly evening The customary-toasts were honoured and there were several capital speeches,. A feature of the evening; wga the line musical programme, to say nothing of mirth-provoking “knutty” yarns. The Pembroke Re-union, kkca place try-night