THE SOLDIERS' DINNER.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 July 1919, Page 2

THE SOLDIERS' DINNER.

TO HE MADE AX ANNUAL

AFFAIR

In responding to the toast of tho Returned Soldiers at the soldiers' luncheon at the Druids' Hall on Saturday. Lieut. Neill, chairman of the local branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association, remarked on the largo number ol' men present, and the success of the gathering. He stated liowever, that there wero a larger number of returned men in this district who were not members of the local Association and lie would like to see thom join up right awav, for the stronger the Association the more good could be done for the soldiers as a whole. As regards the policy of the Association, it had Been argued by sonic that, it should be a political body, but he considered that tlae decision to be independent, and non-political was a wise one. Any other course would only result, in dividing the members against each other. Referring to tho local I Association again, Lieut. Neill said h|s would like to see it become a strong body and it- would if all the local men joiived. Also they should have> a elubrooin, whore they could get together and spend a social hour in to Iking over old times. The dinner they had had that day ought to be made an annual one—(Applause)—and lie was pretty 6afe in saying that the U.S.A. would make it so. Lieut, Neill concluded by stating that tho Associaion was" opening an office in Levin at which, the secretary would be in attendance every Saturday afternoon for the convenience of soldiers.