BULLS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 194, 15 July 1930, Page 9

BULLS

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ REUNfON. (From Our Own Correspondent). BULLS, July 14. Sixty ex-service men of Bulls and district attended the first reunion, held in the Town Hall supper room, Bulls, on Friday evening, and apologies were received from many who were unable to be present. Colonel Powles, D. 5.0., C.M.G., occupied the chair, and with him wore Messrs J. E. Walker, F. J. Mansell, F. O. Bailey and H. A. Goodall, members of the Bulls-Sanson-Ohakea-Car-narvon and Lower Rangitikei Patriotic Society, and Mr J. Campion, chairman of the cbmmittee which organised the gathering. Mr G. Denbow, secretary, and several other members of the Marton Branch of the R.S.A. attended, and the assemblage was representative of town and district. Conspicuous mementoes of the Great War were a French 75 m.m. shell case; a British 13 pound shell; tins of “bully beef”; and the famous army biscuit. Mr Campion hriofly introduced Colonel Powles, and expressed pleasure at the large attendance of returned men, not only of Bulls, but from all parts. Colonel Powles, who was accorded an ovation on rising, said that he felt it an honour to be present and to preside at this reunion. In a way ho was a stranger in their midst, and yet again he was not, and, with the possible exception of Mr F. J. Mansell, ho might claim to be the oldest identity present. He recalled his coming by coach from Wellington in 1874, crossing at Scott’s Ferry, and coming to Bulls, and while he did not know all present, he knew many. And the presence of these war trophies helped to make him feel at home with them. By way of introduction he laid stress on the value of these reunions and the benefits to bo gained by sticking together. If returned men throughout New Zealand stuck together, he said they could do a lot for ono another. He then opened the gathering by proposing the loyal toast, which was honoured with enthusiasm. Striking the shell-case, Colonel Powles then proceeded to call the roll, explaining that by this means they could tell who they were, and bring back to mind many whom we did not think they knew. The call was responded to by the following numbers, cheers greeting them as they rose: Auckland Mounted Rifles, 1; Wellington Mounted Rifles, 3; Otago Mounted Rifles, 1; N.Z. Artillery, 2; Auckland Battalion, 4; Wellington Battalion, 14; “The Dinks,” 8; Engineers, 1; Machinegunners, 1; Medical Service, 3; Pioneer Battalion, 4; British Army Artillery, 1; Padre, 1; N.Z. A.0.C., 1; and other British units, 1.

In proposing the toast of “Fallen Comrades” Colonel Powles referred with feeling to its solemnity. All knew particular pals who had died in the war; perhaps not in one’s own unit, but in others, and all liked to honour their memory. The toast was drunk in silence, all standing. Mr Fieldhouse briefly proposed the toast of the “N.Z.E.F.,” expressing the pleasure which it gave him to speak of that fine fighting force. Mr J. M. Croucher responded and said that, naturally, they were proud of the N.Z.E.F. on account of its achievements. The success gained by the N.Z.E.F. was known all over the world. It was unnecessary to recount its deeds. They were history. But their success was due to the very fine standard set by their officers. (Applause). The esprit de corps of the force was responsible for their attainments. The Anzac spirit which commenced at Gallipoli went on in the years through the fight for right against might. He spoke of the tenacious endurance of a body of men which, except for its trained officers, was purely a citizen army, but ranked amongst the world’s best fighters.' And he felt sure that all who could pass the tests would be found on the roll again if required. (Cheers). A short while ago we had honoured the memory of our fallen comrades, he added, and it; : was our duty to see that their responsibilities did not also go west and to see that their sacrifice was not made in vain. Much had been written about a world peace, but if they instilled the Anzac spirit into the present generation they would bo much nearer world-wide peace than over the conference tables of the world. There were problems facing us to-day, and after a lapse of time Jwe found it hard to press our claims. Patriotic Societies were doing good work, but we should strengthen the numbers of the R.S.A., which was also doing an immense amount for the returned men. In conclusion he referred in trenchant terms to the so-called war books, which he condemned.

“The Army Navy and Air Force,” was proposed by Mr V. French, who said that this three-fold toast made him think of yesterday, to-day, and to-morrow. Of yesterday, it recalled the traditions of the grand old army, and he denounced the war books which caluminated them. Our navy, from the time of the Armada, had thought Britain’s civilisation worth the risks taken to koep it intact, and nothing would kill that spirit to face the same things again to-day or to-morrow. He toasted those who had upheld that spirit in the past, and those who were doing so to-day. Mr Horace Wilson, in responding, spoke of England’s “contemptible little army” of a few hundred thousand, which had grown to seven millions with the addition of their forces from across the seas; of the great work which the Navy had done, not only in bottling-up the German fleet, but in providing 6afe transport to hundreds of thousands of troops from overseas, without the loss of a troopship. The Air Force, he said, had eventually gained supremacy of the air, and had been responsible for driving the dreaded Zeppelins out of England. (Applause). Mr J. Campion proposed the toast of the “R.S.A.”, and after eulogising the soldiers, proposed that a branch of the R.S.A. be formed in Bulls. Mr G. Denbow, secretary of the Marton branch of the R.S.A. in responding, said that the general public seemed to be forgetting what the soldiers had done for them, and many promises made to the men when they went away had not been honoured. He detailed the good work being done by the R.S.A. on behalf of the returned men, and the recommendations of the commission regarding pensions, etc. The Government was in sympathy with the men, but lacked the'funds to do much. With canteen funds, money received from the War Funds Council, and subsidies, they had obtained over £20,000 for the relief of men who needed it. Last year the R.S.A. had increased its membership by a thousand, and there were prospects of getting more members. Unity was strength, and the more they could get into the association the stronger they would be. He would like to see a branch formed in Bulls, and would assist in any way possible. (Applause). “The Visitors” was proposed by Rev. B. R. White in a happy, reminiscent speech, and in welcoming them he mentioned the welcome which New Zealanders had given to him and to others on their arrival here. He hoped that the present generation would prove worthy of the great sacrifices made for them in the past. Mr F. Johnson, in reply, thanked the committee for inviting visitors to their reunion, and expressed the hope that it would not be the last. He supported the formation of a branch of the R.S.A. in Bulls, and stated that the membership of the Marton branch had increased from 28 to 80, and from the, size of the gathering there that night he thought that Bulls should he able to form a really strong branch. Apart from the social side of this reunion, he stressed the good which the branches might do, and said that Martonians had accomplished a great deal, and all behind the scenes, which was as it should be. He touched on the matter of the proposed overhaul of the New Zealand Defence Forces, and said that the finest defence was the spirit of loyalty amongst returned men. He hoped that this gathering would be responsible for the formation of a live body in the district. “The Patriotic Society” was proposed by Mr A. Hartley, who paid a tribute to the good work which had been done by the local branch in assisting men who needed help. (Applause). Mr J. E. Walker, chairman of the Patriotic Society, replied and said that it was a ploasuro to hear Mr Hartley’s remarks, and to see the manner in which the toast had been received. The society, had

honoured its promises to the men. It was a live body; one of the oldest in the Dominion ; and was in a position to carry on for some years yet. Of the activities of the society nothing was heard. It worked silently, and no outsiders knew who was being assisted. (Applause). Mr E. Anderson, in proposing the toast of “Sisters and Women Workers,” said that that evening they had heard a lot about themselves, ‘but lie asked what would a fighting force bo without those sisters and nurses, and other womon-folk who hnd done their bit while the men were on active service. He spoke of the importance of the duties which all had performed. Mr 11. H. C. Holland, in responding, said that one thing which was noticeable on their return was the effect which the war had had on their wives and mothers. He praised the work of the nurses, many of whom had lost their lives in the conflict, and eulogised the V.A.D., the Waacs, tho Wrenß, land girls, munition workers, Y.M.C.A., Overseas Club, Victory League, Lady Liverpool Club, etc. “Tho Press,” proposed by Mr J. F. Flynn, was responded to by Mr E. Wilson. Interspersed between the speeches were rousing soldiers’ choruses, songs and recitations, those contributing to tho entertainment being Messrs V. Edwards, J. W. Gibson, H.Dudley, J. P. D. Le Compte, J. E. Walker and others. Mr C. Edwards presided at the piano in his accomplished style. A splendid supper was provided, and after a period of story and reminiscence, Colonel Powles proposed the toast of “Tho Committee,” complimenting members on the completeness of the arrangements, and the splendid entertainment and supper provided. Mr J. Campion, on behalf of the committee, thanked Colonel Powles for taking the chair at the gathering, and also all who had attended. He concluded by saying that the committee were pleased that their efforts had been appreciated, and thanked all who had worked to make the reunion a success.

A’ hearty vote of thanks to the chair concluded a very notable meeting.