TANGITU

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4694, 16 May 1935, Page 6

TANGITU

(Own Correspondent). The monthly meeting of the executive of the Tangitu District Settlers’ Association was held in the Tangitu Hall at the beginning of the week, when there were present: Messrs. C. E. Middleton (chairman), F. Walker (vice-chairman), A. Kinder; L. L. Parkes and J. A. Taylor', also the secretary, J. Jones. The followingcorrespondence was dealt with:—

To and from State Advances Office re R. M. Krebs’ case. The office stated that it had been considered givingrecognition to the Association’s representations in this case to some extent. The Executive, whilst appreciating what had been done for Mr. Krebs, were of opinion that it was far from being adequate, and the secretary was instructed to communicate with the State Advances Superintendent further in this case. To and from Central King Country Amalgamated Settlers’ Associations in the following matters: Installation of telephone at the local stock inspectors residence. The Amalgamation had been informed by the Minister, through Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., that funds would not allow of a telephone being installed as requested by the Amalgamation. The Executive instructed the secretary to impress upon the Amalgamation the importance of further representations to the Minister regarding this matter, it being of .such vital importance to the outback settlers. Sodium chlorate supplies and price for the comingseason: The Minister explained matters regarding selling price of this material if users booked their needs through importers, and emphasised that there was no reason to believe that other than ample supplies would be available for the coming season. A reply received by the local Association from the superintendent of the Challenge Phosphate Co., Ltd., regarding the manufacture of sodium chlorate at Otahuhu, stated that immediately the company was in a position to supply the Association would be notified. i

A keen discussion took place regarding the immunity of the Mortgagors’ Corporation in respect of payment of rates. This immunity was unanimously condemned. Others matters of importance were dealt with, and the secretary was instructed how to act. With a hearty vote of thanks to the chair the meeting closed.

A most interesting function indeed was the annual reunion of the Waimiha membership of the Mokauiti branch of the R.S.A., held at Mr. Nielsen’s woolshed on Saturday, 11th instant, Mr. J. Sheely presiding. There was a good muster of “Diggers” in attendance with the parent branch well represented by its President, Mr. J. T. Dixon, and Messrs. R. J. Kirk, L. B. Riley and W. J. Campbell. Mr. C. Plank (Taumarunui), officiated at the piano, and all present appreciated very much the splendid performances of the pianist. To ope'n proceedings the chairman proposed the toast of “The King,” after which Mr. Sheely in a few brief remarks welcomed the visitors. Then followed a stirring piano solo by Mr. Plank, which pleased the crowd so much that an encore was also given. In a few striking words Mr. Sharpe proposed the toast of “Absent Comrades,” emphasising what a flow of thoughts came to one when the mind started on the journey of locating “absent comrades.” The large crowd honoured the toast by standing in silence for one minute. Mr. Grubner then gave a very pleasing song. Community singing followed, and the favourites were soon given their due place by the “Diggers”—“Tipperary,” “Pack Up Your Troubles,” “Long, Long Trail,” etc. Councillor M. J. Dynan, in proposing the. toast of the “R.S.A.” made some effective remarks as to the great work that the organisation was doing on behalf Of the returned soldiers and their families, emphasising that it was now a select organisation, and demanding recognition from those in authority as well as the public in general. He appealed for the active co-operation of all returned soldiers to make it a more truly still representative of their needs and difficulties. It was only by means of the organisation that voice could be given to their problems. Mr. Laurence Dowman then gave a song which was worth while going a long way to listen to. Mr. J. T. Dixon, chairman of the Mokauiti branch, responded to the toast. The R.S.A. was there at the call of all returned soldiers for assistance, and it must be emphasised that at no time in the history of the “Diggers” was there greater need for the activities of them organisation. He was pleased to be amongst the Waimiha comrades that evening,

and the crowd present represented that the “Digger” spirit prevailed strongly amongst them. Mr. “Paddy” Hallen made an appeal that everyone present donate one shilling towards the mental hospital, and the money collected to be sent forward to the Auckland R.S.A. All present readily complied with Comrade Hallen’s appeal. Mr. Paddy Riley (Mokauiti) and Mr. Pat Collins literally brought the house down with the competition in regaling the crowd with a series of “Digger anecdotes. By special request _ Mr. Riley also gave his favourite “Private Michael Cassidy, V.C.” Mr. Pat Collins, with his songs and ditties was also a keen favourite with the audience. These two alone were worth being present to listen to. Mr. C. Hopkins proposed the toast of the “Navy, Army and Air Force,” and his connecting up of naval dress with Admiral Nelson was loudly applaudedMr. L. B. Riley responded to the toast in a very neat speech. The proposer and the responder made matters very descriptive. An old veteran, Mr. S. Kingsbury, at this stage delighted the large crowd with his singing of the “Zulu Song. Mr. Kingsbury is 74 years of age, but he sung this old favourite with vim and expression that would put to shame many a younger man. He was cheered, until the rafters of the woolshed rung, for his effort. Mr. J. W. Collins proposed the toast of “The Nurses” in a very feeling

manner. He gave a truly realistic description of what the nurses had been in their sympathy and assistance to the “Diggers” during the Great War, and gave also a description of how they had proved beyond dispute that no “Digger” had shown a braver front than the nurses during engagements. Every “Digger” must honour these women who in many cases left scenes of happiness and gay surroundings, to do what they considered their part on behalf of their King and country. Mr. Collins also gave an item which was greatly enjoyed by the audience, in the form of a recitation entitled “Archibald.” Items were also given by Mr. T. Hallen during the evening which met with applause from the audience. The roll call was a most impressive affair, and varied were the units of the Service represented at this function. Many were the phases of entertainment given during the evening, and the chairman is to be commended for his keeping things going with a swing from beginning to end. The secretary of the Waimiha membership, Mr. Reg. Paxfeon, is to be highly congratulated for his efforts in the arrangements. All present declared the function a most enjoyable one, when wending their various ways home.