HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 April 1937, Page 5

HOKITIKA NOTES

[our own correspondent.]

HOKITIKA, April 30.

The 21st birthday of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association was celebrated in an appropriate way on Wednesday evening, in the R.S.A. Hall, when it is estimated 200 ladies and gentlemen were present. The President of the local branch (Mr W. E. Browp.) occupied 1 the chair. The first part of the occasion was a banquet, which was commenced with the usual loyal toast; then followed the singing of the “Anzac Ode.” The Chairman, explaining the object of the gathering, said that the Association desired to show their appreciation to the ladies, who had done so much for them during the past years, and all who had assisted. The toast “Fallen Comrades,” was proposed by Mr P. R. Whitford. ,Mr A. E. Perry sang “Beyond the Sunset,” and Mr L. L. Ross sounded “The Last Post.’’

The Chairman stated the Association wished to recognise the services of the citizens to the Association and called upon Mr Miller to read an illuminated address, copies of which were presented to Mr D. J. Evans, on behalf of the Westland County Council, and to the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) on behalf of the citizens of Hokitika. These were duly acknowledged by the recipients. Mr Evans then proposed the toast, “N.Z.R.5.A.,” wherein he congratulated the men and their secretary (Mr R. Paterson) on the wonderful work they had done.

The Chairman referred to the specific.work done by Mr D. J. Evans for their society, and on their behalf he presented Mr Evans with an electric reading lamp, in recognition of those services, at the same time mentioning the late Mrs Evans and Mrs T. Stuart, their daughter. M Evans said he deeply appreciated the action of the branch, and thanked the Chairman for the kind references to his family.

The Chairman and Mayor then made reference to the work of Mrs F. Fane in the matter of relief. The Mayor said he knew personally of the splendid work done by Mrs Fane. The Chairman presented Mrs Fane with a wicker easy-chair. Mrs Fane gracefuly acknowledged the gift. Dr. Childs prim-nfl “The Ladies,” which w:i„ ; . ... .„q to by Mr W. E. Brown. A huge birthday cake was then wheeled in, decorated with 21 candles. This was made and decorated by Mrs Ashley. Mrs T. Stuart had the honour of cutting it. The Chairman welcomed Mr Madden, of Otira, who acknoweldged the welcome, and congratulated the Hokitika branch. Community singing, led by Mr A. H. Lawn, a recitation by Mr Winston Reynolds, solos by Messrs A. E. Perry and W Shand, musical monologue by Mr F. McCabe, “Topical Verses” by Dr. Childs, and an amusing sketch by Messrs F. McCabe and F. Easther, provided entertainment. A dance was afterwards held.