EAST COAST R.S.A. LEADER HONOURED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22662, 12 June 1948, Page 6

EAST COAST R.S.A. LEADER HONOURED

GOLD STAR PRESENTED

(S.R.) nU.VTORIA, .June 12. ]IT KC'OGMTION of the outstanding services rendered to the national and district interests of returned servicemen and women on the part of Mr. J. IT. Taplin was accorded at a substantial gathering in Ruatoria last evening, when the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association’s highest award—the gold star and certificate of merit—were presented to the veteran leader of the Ruatoria R.S.A.

The award is made by the Dominion executive committee, on the recommendation of a district branch, and is restricted to those whose services are considered to have contributed on a national scale to the welfare of war veterans.

One of the factors which weighed with the Dominion executive in respect of Mr. Taplin's recommendation was the part he had played in extending and maintaining R.S.A. influence in his own district at a time when activity elsewhere was at a low ebb. Election as Branch Patron

mendation came from your Ruatoria headquarters, but no one can get a gold star unless the Dominion executive thinks the work done is of national importance. The honour is one restricted to those who have done outstanding service.

The popularity uf the award and its recipient, was indicated by the large attendance at last night’s gathering despite extremely bad weather and the resultant difficulty of travelling in the valleys where many returned men live.

“Mr. Taplin has brought honour not only to himself but to the whole Coast. I need not tell you what a valiant worker Mr. Taplin has been. He works particularly for the Maori boys and he has the personality and the keenness to get what he wants. “As an example of his unassuming helpfulness, I found quite by accident that every Anzac Day he makes a personal attendance at the graves of Maori boys because their mothers like it, without telling anyone where he is going.”

Tlie occasion gained interest from the attendance of an official delegation from the Gisborne district executive comprising Messrs. J. Leggat, president M. R. Maude, A W. Harper, W. Oakden and A 11. Miller.

N.Z.R.S.A. Certificate of Merit

Mr. Leggat then read a letter from Major-General Sir Karl Kippenberger offering the congratulations of the Dominion executive.

A happy incident in the early stages of the reunion was prompted by a suggestion tiom tlie president, Mr. Ralph Kemp, that the gathering resolve itself temporarily into an extraordinary general meeting of tlie Ruatoria R.S.A. Tliis proposal found unanimous approval, and the sole business of the meeting was to elect Mr. Taplin as patron of the branch, by acclamation. The presentation of the gold star followed.

“With the gold star is a certificate,” continued the speaker, “to Joseph Hugh Taplin in these words: “'ln grateful recognition of your., outstanding service to the N.Z.

Far-Sighted Leadership Extolled

R.S.A. rendered for the benefit of ex-servicemen generally. The association has resolved to place your name on its special honours list recording its appreciation of your unselfish devotion to the interests of your fellows.’ Signed: C. O. Bell, president N.Z.R.S.A.’ ”

"We are gathered here,’’ continued Mr. Kemp, "to sec Mr. Taplin receive the gold star. lie represents tlie very best that the R.S.A. stands for. After his 20 years as chairman of the cxccu tive I could never wish for a kinder, more far-seeing, level-headed chap than Mr. Taplin. He always worked for others without calling attention to himself.” Speaking as the former secretary of the Ruatoria branch when Mr. Taplin was first chairman, Mr. W. Oakden said:—

“I wish to thank all my associates for all they have done for me,” stated Mr. Taplin. "I have been lucky in having all my executive right behind me in the past 20 years. “Diggers are getting a bit long in the tooth now; it’s time that you Kiwis came in and helped while you still have some of the old Diggers in the executive who know the run of the ropes The R.S.A. means a tremendous lot Tonight you have given me a great honour.

Alen of Independent Mind

“It is a privilege for me to be here tonight to see your first president receive this great honour. There are few in New Zealand, if any, who deserve this honour more. In 1928 Mr. Taplin saw fit to resuscitate the association. He found eight or 10 local men and chose me as secretary. Through his influence the Ruatoria R.S.A. backed up the Gisborne association and helped it to keep going through difficult years. All the older Diggers well know what Mr. Taplin has done. You younger brothers, 1 tell you that the benefits you have today were fought for by men of Mr. Taplin’s calibre. I have very much pleasure in associating myself with your president. There haas been no gold star more deserved.” Mr. Oakden concluded by proposing a toast to Mr. Taplin. District President’s Tribute

“Perhaps you don’t realise what membership of the R.S.A. will mean to you in friendship and comradeship during the years to come. When you put a man on the executive you don’t want a ’yes’ man, you want a man who will act for your good despite yourself. Then, looking back, you will come to see that he was right" Toasts honoured during the evening included "The King”, proposed by Mr. G. Mead, branch vice-president; “Absent Comrades.” proposed by Mr. R. Kemp; “The Army Nursing Service,” proposed by Mr. J. Downey and replied to by Mr. J H. Taplin; "Kindred Associations,” proposed by Mr. Thomas and replied to by Air. M. R. Maude; “Combined Services,” proposed by Mr. S. McTavish and replied to by Air. R. Fletcher; "28 th Maori Battalion”, proposed bv Air. W. Mills and replied to by Mr. S. Goldsmith.

“One of the pleasures of this job'is to come to meetings to say things that I would be too embarrassed to say privately,” said Mr. Leggat, district president.

"I think you should realise just what this gold star means. The recorn-

The success of the reunion was due in a large measure to the work of a ladies’ committee, Mcsdamcs W. Moroney, G. Mead, Thomas, S. Goldsmith and others. The ladies’ committee and the cooks, Messrs. K. Alilner and Awatere, received the warm compliments of the headquarters party before the latter's departure on the return to Gisborne.