R.S.A. REUNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 192, 15 July 1939, Page 7

R.S.A. REUNION

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH

AIANAAVATU MEN ASSEMBLE. Foremost among the toasts honoured at the Annual reunion of the Palmerston North Returned Soldiers’ Association in the Municipal Hall last evening was that of "Fallen Comrades” which, following immediately upon the loyal toast, was marked impressively by a dead silence lor one minute. Attended by about five hundred ex-servicemen from ' throughout the Mannwntu district, it was a function fully worthy of the organisation which promoted it. The spirit ol reunion, with the utmost eameraderie, was evident, and rollicking choruses expressed the e.x-soldiers’ enthusiasm. The cipher of King George V, with the Union Jack, overhung the position of honour, and the arms ol the units of the British Empire were very prominent. Bright orchestral music, with topieal tunes, was provided hy an orchestra under Mr AY. Larkins, and community singing was entered into with full zest. Mess orderlies were kept busy throughout the evening. A 1! artime melodics echoed through the hall, and the spirit behind the function was as young as the days when it was first hold. Disclosed hy the roll call were South African AYar Veterans. and former members of Imperial units, the Navy, A.1.F., Auckland Infantry. Wellington Infantry, Canterbury Infantry, Otago Infantry. Rifle Bi'igade. New Zealand Alounteds, New Zealand Camel Corps, Now Zealand Artillery, New Zealand Engineers and Tunnollcrs, New Zealand Pioneers (Maori Battalion), Medical Corps. Army Service Corps. Pay Corps. Signallers. MachineGunners, Veterinary Corps and Plying Corps. Air B. .T. Jacobs, the president, who was in the chair, expressed the gratification of the executive at the large attendance, and particularly welcomed Mr N. CoU|uhoun, secretary of the Oaniarn branch, and a brother of Air ,J. A. Cohpihoun. Stating that it would l>e the first function of its nature which he had missed for nine years, the Alayor (Air A. E. Mansion]) forwarded an apology for his inability to bo present, owing to being detained by business in AYelliugton. I'or a similar reason Air J. Hodgens. ALP., intimated that liis arrival would bo delayed, but be. came later. A letter was received from Major F. Garner regretting that he was unable to lie present. The chairman welcomed the South African War veterans, and representatives of the Ashhurst. AVoodville and Rongofea branches, also of the Legion of Prontiersmen. Air J. A. Nash was also welcomed as a friend ol the I'almerston North branch of the -R.S.A. since its inception.

VIRILE ORGANISATION. Proposing the toast of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ _ Association, Air Nash said all recognised that it was a very lively organisation, due Jargclv to capable leaders like Sir Andrew "Russell, Hon. \Y. Perry, and Mr B. J. Jacobs. Groat work had been accomplished in establishing in New Zealand a pensions scheme more than equal to any in other parts ol the world. The visit made to Australia had been a very fine gesture, and lie was sure the Australians would have a right royal time when they tame to New Zealand ; their visit was eagerly awaited. Mr Nash paid a tribute to the ability and energy ol the officers of the Palmerston North branch, and gave an assurance that as a member of the Patriotic Society ho would continue to do his best for the association. Ho referred to the wisdom of the society’s policy in conserving its funds from the outset for the calls of later years, and said that this had been vindicated hy the able manner in which the fluids' had been administered, leaving them available when they were most needed.

Responding, Mr Jacobs expressed a]>preciation of flic enthusiasm with which the toast had been honoured, and tlie references to its officers. lie stated that there were 90 branches of the association, which had a membership of about 31,000, and was governed by a council which, elected by delegates. met. in conclave, usually for three days to determine tho policy for the ensuing twelve months. This was decided by the members of the branches through their delegates, said Mr Jacobs, who outlined the constitution of the association. -The council "was the “headquarters,” but in this instance it occupied the front line trenches and carried out orders according to the dictation of the army, who wore the members of the R.S.A. Two of those who had served on the Dominion council were to-da.v Judges of the Supreme Court —Mr Justice Smith and Mr Justice Fair —the former having been responsible primarily for the framing of the pensions legislation. The R.S-A., said Mr Jacobs, was the largest and yet most exclusive club in Now Zealand. It was held together bv an “indescribable something,’’ which called for intense I°J" alty and which, he predicted, would continue to be an ever growing force. Mr J. AV. RutheiTurd proposed the toast of “Our Guests,” saving that great assistance had linen given the returned soldiers by successive I'”' v "* ernmciits over a period of twenty years, bv the citizens of Ralineiston North through the City Council, and bv the Patriotic Society in sheer, unselfish and bard work, the society being one of the few organisations in New Zealand which were functioning in “top gear” to day. Mr G. Tremaine (Deputy-Mayor), who responded, said that the City Council recognised and appreciated the spirit of co-operation shown it by the association. Ho added that the children’s paddling pool at the Esplanade provided by the latter, was a joy to the youngsters in the summer, and other centres were seeking to establish facilities- on similar lines. I hougU 21 years had elapsed since the Great War, the membership of the association had continued to increase. Mr Tremaine wished the association and every member every success, health and prosperity in the future. Mr Hodgcns. who had arrived by the Limited express, also responded, sayinjr ho enjoyed being at the functions. Tie trusted that as the veins passed the association would continue to grow in popularity because it was such a worth-while institution and worked so hard to safeguard the interests of the returned soldicis. Proposed bv Mr IT. F. "Wilson, tbc toast of “Kindred Associations” was replied to bv Messrs. N. Colqulioun fOaiunni) and P. A. Dmistall (Ashhurst.) Items -were contributed by Messrs. H. Tamil. 11. Pierard. M. Marvin. ( . Bell E. R and A. W. Chapman, and Jordan and Dawson.