R.S.A.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 3

R.S.A.

REUNION AT TAPAWEBA

A most successful returned soldiers reunion and smoko, concert, was held at Ta paw era on Saturday evening last, when there was a large gathering of returned men from the surrounding district, and representatives of the public including Messrs A. Drummond, G. MacMahon and iI. G. Berryman. Dr. Gray, president, Mi- Wharton, vice president ,Mossr sllarlev and Kidson, and N. A. Vercoe, secretary, c.f the Nelson R.S.A. wore also present.. , „ The proceedings opened with toe National Anthem after which a few momoms silent rememlirancc m honour ot •'Fallen Comrades" were observed. The chairman, Mr H- C. it enamor, proposing the toast of the Returned boJ diers’ Association, which war. received with great enthusiasm, stated rnu„ the function had been arranged to enable the soldiers of the District to meet the 1 resident of the Association, and executive members. He stressed the value and pleasure to be derived from such reunions of old N.Z.E.F. comrades.In replying to the toast the President thanked the Committee and those present for their invitation and welcome, and expressed pleasure at the opportunity to meet returned men and discuss with them matters of common interest, lie said that, his connection with the Association impressed him more and moio with the necessity of returned men according it their strongest support in order. especially, that its work for the disabled and dependents should be successfully maintained. He thanked countiy members for their loyal co-operation and h< The Secretary in thanking those present for the warm welcome given, expressed pleasure at the apparent interest in Association and returned soldier matters generally ,as evinced by the gathering of returned men and public representatives He said that the success of the Association’s work was dependent upon the support of ex service men, and the sympathetic interest of the geneial community in thir welfare. We lmd been fortunate in the Nelson district m the degree to which this support and interest had been extended. He dealt with pensions, land settlement, and other mattes affecting returned men and dependents, explaining the policy and work of the Association regarding them. He referred to the number of old comrades now serionslv breaking down in health, the importance of the' Association’s help for them and their dependents, and read a number of letteis indicative of its successful efforts on their behalf. He concluded his remarks with a plea for continued unity, and an invitation for questions upon any points of interest. Messrs Wharton. Ilarlev and Kidson also spoke, dealing with various matters affecting ex-service men. . A number of questions were asked and answered, chiefly concerning soldier settler problems. Other toasts given during the evening and the speakers thereto were ns follows: “Kindl'd Bodies,” Messrs MacMahon and Harley and Col. Brereton; “Veterans of other wars,” Messrs G. L. Mead, C. Fenemor, and J. A. Harris (South Africa!! Veterans); “Early Settlers, Mr A. Drummond; “Local Bodies , Mr H. G. Berryman. . Musical and vocal items were controbated by Messrs Friend, MacMahon, Page, Gilbert and Steer. The success of the evening reflected grat credit upon the committee responsible for the arrangements; the proceedings throughout were of the most enthusiastic nature, and the hope was generally expressed that similar functions would regularly he held in future.