TE KUITI R.S.A.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3262, 3 February 1931, Page 5

TE KUITI R.S.A.

ANNUAL REUNION AT KAWHIA.

The fifth annual reunion at Kawhia was held on Saturday and Sunday last. The Maniapoto Silver Band, under Bandmaster Timbers, Swift's orchestra, and a large number of returned soldiers assembled on Saturday afternoon at the R.S.A. local headquarters and made the journey to Kawhia, favoured by beautiful weather, which continued throughout both days. On arrival in Kawhia the first thing that struck the visitors' eyes was a huge banner stretched .across the main street bearing the inscription, "Diggers, Welcome to Kawhia."

Immediately after the visitors had arranged for accommodation the band and orchestra proceeded to the Kawhia Hospital, where they were welcomed by Sister Reidy and staff, and subsequently rendered a delightful programme of music which was immensely enjoyed by the patients and townspeople, who were present in large numbers. Sister Reidy had a large marquee erected in the grounds capable of accommodating 40 men for the night in case outside accommodation were unavailable in view of the large number of visitors expected. This was nearly fully occupied later, as owing to the beautiful weather there were considerably more visitors than usual. Breakfast was also provided for the Diggers, and the R.S.A. desire to express to Sister Reidy and staff their deepest gratitude for her kindness which was shown next day in providing lunch and afternoon tea to the fishing parties.

On leaving the Hospital grounds on Saturday, all the Diggers formed up behind the band, under SergeantMajor West, and marched through the town to the accompaniment of martial music. It was noticeable that perfect formation and step were maintained and the movements carried out with military precision which, was somewhat surprising. considering the lapse of time since drill ceased. As this was the first occasion on which a band had been seen or heard at Kawhia for many years it exercised the greatest attraction, particularly for the young and very old who had never heard one. After the march through the main street halts were made and short selections given near the wharf and also higher up the main street. The band was in good form and their recitations reflected the greatest credit on themselves and Mr. Timbers. In the eventhe annual reunion was held under the auspices of .the Kawhia-King Country-Waikato-Waipa Association, under the direction of Mr. F. Butler (honorary secretary). Mr. J. K. Dodds, of the Te Kuit> and District R.S.A., presided. There was a record attendance of Diggers present. The Maniapoto"* Silver Band and Swift's orchestra were in attendance, and a most delightful evening was spent, many old comrades meeting again for the first time since discharge from the army. Sister Reidy, D.C.M., attended, to the great delight of the Diggers, and a number of distinguished guests were also present. Apologies were received from- Colonels Weston, Boyce, Reid, Clarke, Major Finlayson and Captain Clarke, Dominion president. The following toasts were honoured:—

"The King;" "Navy, Army and Air Force," proposed by Mr. Swift,Senior. responded to by Captain Snow; "Absent Comrades," proposed by Captain Oliphant; "Medical and NursingServices," proposed by Mr. H. -T. Morton, replied to by Dr. Robertson, on behalf of Sister Reidy; "The "R.5.A.," proposed by Mr. O. R. Cooke, replied to by Mr. Cayley-Alexander.

The intervals between the toasts were pleasantly occupied in old army choruses, songs and band numbers.

The usual singing competition took place between the different tables for the Morton Loving Cup. Mr. CayleyAlexander officiated as judge. Much amusement was caused, and eventually his decision was given in favour of the top table (Te Kuiti).. The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

On Sunday morning the band assembled on the wharf and gave a brilliant performance before a large assembly, and then the party divided itself amongst the three launches for fishing. Sister Reidy's party landed on the beach near the hot springs to get ready for the afternoon refreshments for the fishing parties (and- some were bought, too) by those who had no luck. After afternoon tea the whole party.assembled at the native township, when, amidst picturesque surroundings and fine old pohutukawa trees, the visitors were welcomed by a large number of natives and townspeople and conducted to the scene of the "hongi." With all due ceremony the mats were lifted off the steaming viands underneath, and these were handed round to the visitors, who were seated on the ground, and did full justice to the excellent repast provided. The bandsmen played a selection which was received with the greatest enthusiasm. Mr. Cayley-Alexander then rose on behalf of the Diggers to thank the native race and the townspeople of Kawhia for the wonderful welcome they had given the Diggers in the good old Maori style, making it very clear that the Diggers occupied a warm corner in the hearts of the Maori and Kawhia people. He humorously referred to 3. corner in the big marquee at the hospital bearing an old time war address, "Hell Fire Corner," which reminded Diggers of old times, but the warmth of our reception in Kawhia differed from the warmth of the reception met at "Hell Fire Corner" in France. Speeches were also given by Mr. Marae Edwards and T. Ormsby. Great interest was caused in a Maori haka given by the Maori ladies, assisted by Mr. Henderson, of the band. Further musical items were rendered by the band and the proceedings terminated with a collection for the band and , the singing of the National Anthem. It is impossible to differentiate in selecting people to thank for the welcome given, because everybody excelled themselves, so the Te Kuit< R.S.A. desire to thank one and all in Kawhia for the most enjoyaule visit and for the attractions provided, and they look forward to repeating the ' visit next year.