VOLUNTEERS' REUNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22907, 15 June 1936, Page 7

VOLUNTEERS' REUNION

MEETING OF'EXECUTIVE i The Executive Committee of the Volunteer Defence Forces Reunion held its final meeting in the R.S.A. rooms on Saturday evening to complete the necessary' arrangements in connection with the social reunion to be held next Saturday evening in the Concert Chamber. The chairman (Major Douglas), in opening the meeting, expressed the warm appreciation of members towards Colonel Barclay for his excellent informative talks over the air /from Stations 4YA and 4ZM during the week. The secretaries, Mr A. H. Valentine and Stall' Sergeant-major Johnston, presented a large volume of correspondence received from ex-volunteers living i" outside centres, intimating their intention of attending. The Mayor (the Kev. E. T. Cox), and Major K. L. Stewart, staff officer,, Defence Department, wrote accepting invitations to be present. The Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones, M.P.) would also be present if possible. The chairman stated that there would be only four official toasts, namely—" His Majesty the King"; "The Old Volunteer Force," by Colonel Barclay, response by Colonel E. R. Smith; "Our Empire and Defence," by Colonel Sir James Allen, response by the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Joties). Should the minister be unablo to attend the duty would be undertaken by Major Stewart, stall otiicer, Defence Department. The toast of " Our Guests" would be proposed by Colonel J. M'Arn and responded to by tiie Mayor. Major Douglas stated that he had been in communication with the Minister suggesting that the function would be a suitable opportunity for him to disclose the Government's defence policy. Mr Jones, however, had now informed him that he would not be in a position to disclose any information as the matter was still under consideration.

With a view to putting such important subjects over the air, where more than those attending the function would be keenly interested, he had also interviewed the -manager of 4YA, who had Riven his approval to broadcast the speeches of Sir James Allen and Mr Jones. It was decided to print a suitable souvenir programme, and Colonel B. R. Smith intimated that he would provide the cost of the programmes. Major Stewart, staff officer, wrote iji connection with the King's Birthday review, suggesting that the ex-volunteers should assemble at the South African Memorial on the Oval bv 0.30 a.m. and march to the flagstaff, where they would bo met by a staff sergeant-major, and shown to a reserved space. Ex-colour-sergeant 1). Eraser consented to act as sergeant-major for the ex-volunteers. A letter was received from Mr R. S. J. A. Macdonald. acting on behalf of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, stating that the committee of the association was willing to preserve any records from the start of the volunteer movement to the date of disbandment.

Tt was decided that supervisors of sections should meet with the chairman at Hie Concert Chamber next Friday evening for a general review of details. The chairman expressed hiw thanks for the excellent support that the members of the executive had fiven by regular attendance at each of the meetings.