Apiti

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6866, 24 May 1932, Page 5

Apiti

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ REUNION From Our Own Correspondent. The third annual .reunion of the Apiti R.S.A. was held in tho Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday last and went with a swing from “Fall in” to “Lights Out.” Opening,tho proceedings, the president (Mr, A. E. Prujean) welcomed tho visitors and Tcad apologies for absonco from Hon. J. G. Cobbe and Mr. G. Romley, then vacating tho chair in favour of the patron, General R. Young. After the loyal toast had been honoured General Young struck the keynote for the evening’s jollity, and in proposing the toast of the N.Z.R-.S.A. pointed out that it was a returned man’s duty to join up, not for what he could get out of it himself, but for tho assistance he could give to others less fortunate than himself, and particularly to disabled soldiers and tho dependents of those who had made tho great sacrifice. Mr. B. J. Jacobs, on being called upon to respond to the toast as a vice-presi-dent of tho N Z.R.S.A., received an ovation, not only as a token of his personal popularity, but as an appreciation of the assistance ho has given to the smaller country associations. He stressed tho need of solidarity at the present time and demonstrated what an influence the association could bo in the Dominion. He again urged the importance of the small country associations, which ho claimed were tho life blood of the returned soldier movement. Mr. AV. A. London proposed tho toast of “Kindred Associations,” coupled with the names of Messrs. J. Watt, E. Signal, W. H. Watson and W. Howell, all Sou'th African veterans, who were accorded musical honours upon their response. . ■ The toast of the evening, Absent Comrades,” was proposed by Padre H. B. Goortz, who pointed out that the memory of comrades who had fallen in the war could never be effaced. The whole assembly stood in silence while “Requiem” was sung, -after which Trumpeter T Osborne soundea the “Last Post” and the “Reveille.” Tho chairman called upon Mr. A. Gorton, assistant secretary of the N.Z, R.S.A., Wellington, who stated that ho had come prepared to deal with any topic of interest to Apiti returned men, and had been asked to make particular reference to the pensions cut and the disposal of the Canteen Fund. Ho outlined tho negotiations between headquarters and the Prime Minister, and left no doubt in the minds of his audience that everything possible had been done by headquarters, which had been successful in reducing the percentage of the cut in economic pensions. Turning to the question of the Canteen Fund, he explained how tho fund had been built and how it was being administered at present. Tho actual figure at present was approximately £197,000, and it had been proposed that something be done in the way of providing annuities, but when the figures were put before a Government actuary it was shown to be out of tho question. The Canteen Board at present was distributing £IOOO a month to relieve unemployment among returned men, so that much benefit had accrued through keeping the fund intact. Besides this, of course, returned men and their dependents had, when necessary, been granted monetary assistance from tho fund. Later, in discussing the question of the Canteen Fund, Mr. Jacobs pointed out that tho present was a time when returned men were urgently in need of assistance, and therefore in his opinion the board should do more than simply oxpend the interest on tho fund. His remarks were heartily endorsed by 'those present. Tho toasts of “The Visitors,” "The Entertainers” and “The Ladies” were ablv dealt with by Messrs. R. Cheyno, J. E. Oakden and J. Watt respectively, Messrs. N. C. Harding and A. Balmer responding. During the evening the old' Army choruses were sung with great gusto under the leadership of Mr. Harding, while Mr. Thomson, of Feilding, rendered yqoman service at the piano. Mr. A. Balmer,with tho bagpipes, was accorded an enthusiastic reception. Songs during the evening wero rendered by Messrs. D. Evcriss, C. M. Stanley, M. Williamson, N. C. Harding. A. Balmer and B. J. Jacobs, alLof whom had to respond to vociferous encores. After “Come to the cook-house door” was sounded, tho chairman vacated his office and the trqpps fraternised, renewing old Army associations and reviving pleasant memories. book presented to the association by Mr. G. Souness was passed round and received 70 additional signatures. Tho function closed at a (late hour to the strains of “Auld Lang • Sync.”