R.S.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1939, Page 4

R.S.A.

A PLEASANT RE-UNION. l; { , At the Soldiers’ Hall on Saturday night a very pleasant re-umon ol the Hokitika Returned Soldiers’ Association was held. Over lUu were present, including the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry)] and several citizens. His Honour, Mr Justice i\orchcroft was on the Chairman’s, right, Mr W. E. Brown (expresident) now of Nelson, on the left. Mr I D. W. Russell, District, Vice-President of the parent Association and Mr J. L. Menzies, a former member of th e Executive, were also present from Temuka. Mr R. G. Millen, President, who presided, extended a welcome to the visitors, and expressed pleasure at the „ large attendance. He referred to the""'* objects of the N.Z. Returned" Soldiers’ Association, and the faithful work the executive performed for the benefit of those in need. Following a bunch of soldier choruses, which were rendered with vigour, Mr A. H. Lawn being at the piano, and assisted by Mr T. Seddon and Mr L. Ross provided a bright orchestral accompaniment. The toast of “Fallen Comrades’’ was ably proposed' by Captain Murray, who made several apt quotations, and made an appeal for moral rearmament in the interests of world betterment. In dim- ?* mod light, the ' audience stood while Bugler Ross sounded the Last Post, and Mr Arnold Perry sang a requiem. Then in restored light, the “Reveijle’’ mounded •» , —an impressive gesture to the fallen and departed.

Several other toasts were proposed-. Mr J. L. Menzies submitted ‘ : Com-'% v bined Services,” referring to the reliance, which had to be placed on the • defence forces,. Colonel, His Honour .Mr Justice Northcroft in acknowledging the toast and the references, mentioned the conditions to-day with those of 20 years ago, when troops were then on the march. Most of thorn had participated in the service and today they could encourage the following generation to take their place in the other duties ahead. There was the call to duty and service,, and the situation should be met courageously.

The toast of the “N.Z. R.S.A.” was in the hands of Mr D. J. Evans, Patron,' who praised the work of the executive in stimulating an interest in the need for defence, well in advance of the present crisis. None knew better than the returned soldiers the need 1 for preparedness. This toast was acknowledged by" Mr D. W. Russell of Christchurch R.S.A. wild complimented the Hokitika Branch on its strength arid ‘’activities.’" He outlined the work of the Tad as:osiation/'and appealed for the ! fullest support from all. returned men to ensure the best return for the activities which was In the interest of all. Mr W. E. Brown, in a reminiscent vein proposed the “Hokitika R.S.A.”, to which Mr J. D. Johnston made a very suitable reply. The final toast was “The Sub-Branches,” in the hands of Dr. Childs, and responded to by branch representatives present.

There was much music and good humour in the evening’s programme. Songs were rendered and well received from Mr Arnold Perry and Mr D. W. Russell, (Mr F. W. Foster at the piano), with recitations by Messrs J. L. Menzies and "** V: W. E. Brown. Dr. Childs rendered a soiicr of topical verse to a familiar tune, O ’ • • t .> . . • which went with a swing.

The function was well organised under the, direction of the President and Secretary and a . hard working committee. The ladies saw to the tasteful decoration of the tables, while the supply of refreshment was ample and* promptly served. The evening can be marked down as one of the happiest re-unions the local association has held. Before the close of the proceedings, it was announced the 21st birthday would soon fall due, when it was hoped to have a large gathering of members, their wives and friends.