ARIA

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4845, 14 May 1936, Page 6

ARIA

R.S.A. (Own Correspondent.) On Saturday evening the Aria sub-branch of Te Kuiti R.S.A. held its annual re-union in the Aria Hall, just over 50 "diggers" being present, including visitors from Te Kuiti, Mokauiti and Pio Pio. The presence of the Te Kuiti president, Mr. A. C. Shearer, was appreciated by the members of the sub-branch. In opening the proceedings the retiring president, Mr. Reeve-Smith, took the' opportunity of paying tribute to the importance of the work done for the movement by the honorary secretary, Mr. John Nicol, without whose tireless and cheerful services the branch could not exist. On behalf of the local members he presented a cheque to Mr. Nicol as a small token of affection and appreciation. Mr. Nicol most briefly replied and thanked them all for their appreciation and said that he was at all times only too pleased to do his bit. The incoming president, Mr. J. A. Thomson, then took charge. The following toast list was then gone through:—The King, by the chairman; "Navy, Army, Air Force and Nursing Services," by Mr. Arneil, the replies being Mr. B. J. Adams, Navy, Mr. Stan. Ronaldson, Army, Mr. Bert Morris, Air Force, Nursing Services, Mr. Dooley. Later in the evening Mr. Reeve-Smith proposed the toast of "The Camel Corps," to which Mr. Paddy Riley responded, drawing on his experiences and his imagination to produce the tit-bit of the evening, keeping the large audience on the verge of hysterics for a considerable time. Mr. J. B. Woods proposed the toast of the R.S.A. and called on all diggers to pay up and join the most exclusive club in the world and to which all are welcome provided they have the one qualification necessary, service overseas. Mr. Shearer replied and gave details of the work done by the Te Kuiti branch, and offered suggestions to the Aria subbranch.

"Absent Comrades" was proposed by Mr. C. Paine in a splendid speech in which he stressed the apparent "lost endeavour" of our • comrades who passed over. He pointed out that the remedy lay in the hands of the individual in the ultimate decision.

The chairman then gave the toast of "Visiting Branches," to which Messrs. Shearer, Te Kuiti, Dixon, Mokauiti, Morris, Pio Pio, replied. During the evening songs and stories were given by the following: Messrs. E. Robbins, Dixon, junr., R. J. Kirk, L. B. Riley, Learty, Paine, Patton, Adams, Joe Sharp, P. Collins, Wheatley, and J. Thornton. They were all, of course, good, but even amongst such a plethora of talent Paddy Riley as the comedian, and Dixon, junr., stood out rather prominently. It was late when the korero ended with one and all expressing their appreciation of a splendid evening. The thanks of all are due to Messrs. Helms, Mclndoe, Brown, Hopkins, Kirk and Parkes for their help as stewards. Football Accident. Whilst playing football for Aria at Mokauiti on Saturday Mr. John Rooney collided with a Mokauiti player and in consequence suffered a most painful and beauty-spoiling accident when his nose was broken as badly as it is possible for that to happen. A speedy recovery is wished him by all his team mates and friends. He is at present in hospital.

Aria Dairy Company. At the usual monthly meeting held on Monday it was reported that the output for the season was 5521bs less than for last season. This is most remarkable in view of the experience of most other companies whose supply is badly down compared with last season. The Board decided to pay out for April at the following values: Finest 9d per lb, first grade 8d per lb, at the farm gate. The Board decided to use nothing but "Anzac" postage stamps till the end of June. A report on the South Auckland Dairy Conference was given. It was stressed that although" this conference was opposed to the Government's policy it was decided to make the best of a bad job and help to make that policy a success. With this decision the local Board concurred whilst regretting the steps taken by the Government. Plans for next season were deferred owing to ' lack of details of the Government's policy.

Painful Accident. On Saturday night Mr. George Parkes, our oldest inhabitant, slipped on a step and badly sprained his ankle. We all wish him a speedy recovery and return to his usual activities.