W.I.R. VETERANS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20547, 6 May 1941, Page 5

W.I.R. VETERANS

PATRIOTIC DUTIES WORK ON HOME FRONT MEMBERS WITH N.Z.E.F. Reference io the work performed by loading members of the association in connection with the war effort was made at the annual meeting of the Wellington Infantry Regimental Association, held last evening in the Returned Soldiers' Association’s rooms in Read’s quay, when it was reporter: that several members were serving overseas with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force or were in mobilisation camps and rieoots’ in New Zealand. Furthermore. Wellington In fantry veterans were playing a considerable part in patriotic work in the district.

The meeting was presided over by Colonel R. F. Gambrill. who proposed votes of condolence with the relatives of Messrs. R. Third. A. R. White and A. O. File, who had died during the year. Votes of sympathy also were recorded in respect of the deaths oi Mrs. A. L. Muir and Mr. J. Evans, by which individual member:- of the association were bereaved. The meeting endorsed, a proposal that a message of goodwill be dispatched to Lieutenant-Colonel F. S. Varnham. who was wounded in the Grecian campaign while commanding the 19ih Wellington Battalion. Financial Position In proposing the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, the chairman pointed out that the financial situation could be more satisfactory if all members paid their subscriptions, this being the only source of revenue. He referred to the postponement of the annual Palmerston North reunion, which seemed likely to hold good fqr the duration, and remarked that it behoved district associations to maintain their membership and interest in anticipation of a renewal of the reunions after the war.

The report included an expression of congratulations to Messrs. W. H James and Chas. Mitchell on their appointment, to commissioned rank in the National Military Reserve, and this reference was followed up by the chairman, who complimented the newlv-commissioned members. Colonel Gambrill also suggested that the association should compile a roll of those who were serving with the forces at home and abroad. It was decided, on the motion 01 Mr. Mitchell, that the annual reunion of ihc association should take the form of a "dug-out” evening, at a date to be selected by the committee. The election of officers resulted:— President. Colonel R. F. Gambrill: vice-presidents. Messrs. W. Rennie ano C. Mitchell: executive, Messrs. O. Solvencies, E. Juson, E. Corbett, J. Hunter, J. Dougall, C. Robinson, W. H. James, and G. B. Carter; lion, secretary, Mr. R. Machines; hon. auditor, Mr. D. B. Fa ram.

A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. C. A. Harries, a retiring membei of the committee, 'for his services during the past year.