HUTT VALLEY R.S.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 131, 30 November 1936, Page 6

HUTT VALLEY R.S.A.

ANNUAL REUNION

Although the weather was not of the best, there was an attendance of between 130 and 140,' including returned men of the Imperial Forces, Royal Navy, Australian Navy, and New Zealand Forces, at the annual reunion of the Hutt Valley Branch of the R.S.A. on Saturday night. ."■ ■ The president, Mr. Pattinson, welcomed the guests, those at the official table being Colonel Cowles (president), XW-R.S.A.), Colonel Butcher (past-presi-dent), Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P. for Otaki, Mr. J. W. Andrews , (Mayor of Lower Hutt), Captain Gortoa (Dominion headquarters, R.S.A.), Mr. R.W. Toomath ■ (past president, H.V.R.S.A.), Mr. Mayley (War Relief Association),-and Mr. Hale (Wellington executive). Apologies for absence were received from the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., Mr. Harrison (Dominion president), Mr. J. Spence (secretary, W.R.S.A.), Mr. Harper (War Pensions), and Mr. Scholefield (Mayor of Petone). In his address the president stressed the need for mutual assistance among returned men, and the hope that a continued increase in the membership of the Hutt Valley branch would take place. Last year the membership increased from 218 to 408. He thanked the artists for their usual generous assistance.' Captain Gorton, in proposing the toast of the Hutt Valley / branch, congratulated it on its success, and also "on the efficiency of its administrative officers, who always endeavoured to do their very best for' their comrades. Mr. Harrison (vice-president), in his reply, said that the success of the branch was mainly due to able past presidents and the' co-operation of members. Mr. Edwards (a member of the committee), in'proposing the toast of the nurses, social service, and lady helpers, said that all returned jnen were fully appreciative of the great work done and still being done by the nurses. He also thanked the lady helpers who did so much to make the social activities of the local branch a success. Mr. Bayley (War Relief Association) suit- ■ ably replied. The toast, "Parliament," was proposed by Mr. Whiteman (H.V.R.S.A.). He said all appreciated the work being done to assist the returned men. Mr. Lowry, M.P. for Otaki, in reply, said he was very pleased at being asked to attend. He said that there were 29 returned men in Parliament, and exservicemen could be assured . that everything possible would be done to assist them. He said that it was practically certain that a contingent would go Home for the Coronation, and that the Hutt Valley would not be overlooked when the choice was made. His amusing and interesting reply was much appreciated by those present. Mr. McNicol (local secretary) proposed the toast of the Visitors and the Press. Colonel Cowles replied on behalf of the visitors, and congratulated the local branch on its choice of member of the Wellington executive (Mr. I Harrison);v\vho did good work on that; body. He pointed out that the R.S.A. was a non-political body, and would assist any Government in power. He also called for more brotherly love and ' mutual assistance among ex-ser-vicemen. _ ■ Mr. Andrews (Mayor of Lower Hutt) congratulated the local branch on its activities, and the manner in which they were assisting members. Community singing, led by Mr. Cowie, was much appreciated, and many old-time choruses recalled Digger days. Mr. Fordie sang "McGregors' Gatherings" and "Ah Sweet Mystery of Life," and Mr. Defoe sang "Beneath Thy Window,", and humorous items were given- by, Messrs. Lockyer and Fox.- ■'•::■.■'■.;■-': ■'■ •'•-. • .■?■".