NATIONAL RESERVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 December 1940, Page 3

NATIONAL RESERVE

GREY COMPANY’S SOCIAL. There was a large attendance at [the first annual social of the Greyi mouth Company of the National Military Reserve, held at Harker’s Re- , ception Rooms, last evening. Private F. F. Boustridge presided, and in extending a welcome to the guests of the evening, said that the function was unique, and was being held to allow the members of the Reserve to get to know their comrades. The Reserve, although it had been formed only a few months, had made much progress. The toast of “Absent Comrades” and “The King” were proposed by the chairman. Colonel C. E. Butcher proposed the toast of “The Overseas Forces,” expressing appreciation of the efforts of-the men in various theatres of war. He congratulated the Reserve on the so’cial, which was a milestone in its career. He also congratulated the members of the Reserve on their fine showing in public parades and thanked the N.C.O.’s for their services in the training - of the Home Guard. Responding, Brigadier GeneralW. Meldrum said that everyone was proud of. the overseas forces, of the Empire, in which the men of the Dominion were fully represented. The toast of “The Home Defence Forces” was proposed by the Mayor

(Mr F. A. Kitchingham), who s referred to the aim of the Government to build up a home defence force large enough to deter any foe from attempting to invade the Dominion, and congratulated the members of the various units on the part that they were taking towards the achievement of that object. Responses were made by Captain E. R. Parkes (National Reserve and Territorials) and Brigadier General Meldrum (Home Guard). Other toasts honoured w,ere: “The Returned Soldiers’ Association,’ ’“The Grey National Reserve,” and the Press. Items were given by Lieut. W. B. Hutton, Pte. Blumsky and Mr T. Learmbnt. Singing, under the direction of Lieut. Hutton, was also enjoyed. The accompanist was Sergeant T. Crankshaw.