MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 August 1935, Page 2

MEETINGS

HOKITIKA R.S.A. [orra own cobbesfondent.] HOKITIKA, August 17. The Hokitika branch of the R.S.A. held their annual re-union in the Soldiers’ Hall last evening. The President (Mr W. E. Brown) presided over a large gathering of ex-servicemen from all parts of the district. Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry). Mr D. J. Evans (patron), Mr Bore Jacobs (Palmerston North), Mr Meldrum (Mayor of Greymouth), Mr Harrison (general secretary), Mr O. Ferens (secretary Dunedin R.S.A.), Mr Hamer (Mayor of Kumara), Rev. Mr Hamilton (president Kumara Branch), Mr B. Ward (County Chairman), Mr T. P. Ryan (secretary R.S.A., Greymouth) and Mr A. Graham (Waiho). Among the guests present were Mr H. L. Michel (Deputy Mayor), Mr T. Dufi (chairman Hospital Board), Mr M. Coulson and Dr. Wilson. The tables were well laden and nicely arranged, and eulogistic references were made to the work of the ladies’ committee in this connection. The walls were decorated with a large number of Bainsfathers and other war pictures, depicting scenes that were more or less familiar to all the ex-soldiers present. Halt-a-dozen cheerily burning braziers were distributed round the room, lending a touch of trench life, reminiscent of the old war days. The proceedings opened with the Anzac "Ode ’ —a Diggers’ song set to the tune of a popular hymn, and caused a lot of merriment. The Royal toast was honoured in the usual Army rum issue. The President extended a hearty welcome to all present and expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large attendant. He particularly welcomed the guests of the evening, and hoped that they would thoroughly enjoy the function. He referred to several matters of interest to the R.S.A. and made special mention of the Veterans’ Allowance Bill, to be brought before the next sitting of Parliament, when it is hoped that some provision will be made for the care and treatment ot the “burnt-out” veterans who have given service to the Empire. He also welcomed the officers and N.C.O.’s of the local Volunteer Corps, and re quested that the members of the R.S.A. give every support to the volunteer movement. The toast of the “N.Z.R.S.A." was proposed by Mr H. L. Michel, who referred to the national developments that had taken place since the termination of the war and the effect organisations such as the R.S.A. had in maintaining the birthrights of the people of the Empire. Mr T. Cooper responded on behalf of the R.S.A., giving an outline of the activities of the organisation and stressing the need for the ex-soldiers to support the movement wholeheartedly. The toast of “Absent. Comrades” was proposed by Mr A. C. Armstrong, who made reference to the men who had paid the supreme sacrifice. All present stood in silence while Bugler Avery, of Ross, played the “Last Post” and Piper Johnston followed with a Scottish lament on the bagpipes. The toast of “The Army, Navy and Air Force" was proposed by Mr F. Millen, who made humorous references to war-time incidents in connection with the various units. He emphasised the fact that while maintaining the highest degree of efficiency the strengths of the various services of the British Empire were for defensive purposes only and were not sufficient to tvage a war of aggression. Dr. Childs responded to the toast on behalf of the Army, and told an amusing story of his experiences at the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace in pre-war days. Mr White, of Kumara, responded on behalf of the Navy and Air Force. At 10.15 p.m. hot saveloys were served, being played' into the hall “a la Haggis” by the Piper. Mr T. Duff proposed the toast of “The Hokitika R.S.A. and its subBranches,” referring to the good work of Mr D. J. Evans in keeping the Branch together and to the tine work that is being done by the Executive to assist the ex-soldier. Responses were made by Mr J. L. Menzies (vicepresident) on behalf of Hokitika; by Mr L. Dewe, for Kumara, and Mr J. Cusack, D.C.M. for Ross.

Other toasts honoured were that of the President (Mr W. E. Brown), the Secretary (Mr R. Paterson) and the ladies.

The proceedings were enlivened by the comunity singing of war-time choruses. Dr. Wilson entertained the Diggers with a couple of tap dances, which were heartily applauded. Items were also givein bv Messrs Stopforth, F. Ashley, F. McCabe, W. E. Brown, Bugler Avery, W. L. Shand, A. Wright, R. Chesterman and M. Coulson. The singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem concluded an enjoyable evening.