Happy Gathering

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 178, 13 July 1927, Page 6

Happy Gathering

Ex-Servicemen’s Reunion. BIG MUSTER IN HASTINGS. GREAT ENTHUSIASM SHOWN. The annual re-union of ex-service men was held in the Hastings Assembly Hall last night, when Lieut. Colonel H. .Holderness presided ovei an attendance of over 350 men oi the various units. The hall was beautifully drape*., with Hags for the occasion and gaily coloured streamers hung in festoons from the ceiling, diagonally across the chamber. Krom the very start the evening was of a very social character anu the fine comradely spirit evident testified to what a power in tin country these ex-service men up ano down New Zealand could be made n they could be similarly organised anu infused with the same enthusiasm a> they displayed last evening. The proceedings opened in dm form by the chairman giving the command “Parade at Ease,’ aftei which he called on those present to rise in their various units as he announced the navy and the army, n, a general introduction, and eaci. unit, as it rose, was greeted with ap plause.

The chairman then read apoiogitt from Major-General Sir Andrew Kus sell, Mr n. M. Campbell, M.P., An John Mason, M.P., and Veteran Wn iiam Heslop, for their unavoidable absence. He also read a letter iron. Dr. Boxer, who is seriously id, regretting his inability to be present and he (the chairman) said he was sure everyone would be sorry that Dr. Boxer was unable to be amongst them.

During the evening the Orphans Orchestra, under Orphan C. Bryani. contributed selections and the following toast list was honoured:—“llk King’’; “Fallen Comrades” (tht chairman); “Maori War Veterans’ (Mr H. Baird—Maori War Veteran W. Y. Dennett); “Our Nurses and Padres” (Mr Gordon Roach—Rev Mortimer Jones and Father McDonald); “South African Veterans (Mr R. D. Brown—Veteran J. A Simson); “Kindred Associations" (the chairman—Mr Jackson). The toast of ‘‘Our Fallen Comrades” was observed merely by all standing, with bowed heads, in silence. The entire musical and elocution ary programme was contributed by members of the Orphans’ Club as follows :—Songs were rendered by Or pban E. Rivers. R. Horsefield. T Williams. C. Torr; instrumental items, Oprhans Maddock Lord and Rivers: humourous recitals. Orphans Andy Robertson .and Wood ; recitation. Ornhan Pike. Orphan Lord pl a red the accompaniments. Towards the close supper was par taken of and a very hanpy evening was brought to a conclusion with flu National Anthem. The reunion was most enjorph’ and the secretaries. Messrs. B. M Kpcseß and W. J. Gre«n. as well n‘ their executive, may be fairly enr gratnlated on the result of organisation.