PORT CHALMERS NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25299, 9 August 1943, Page 4

PORT CHALMERS NEWS

WELCOME TO SERVICEMEN The Port Chalmers branch of the Returned Services’ Association recently entertained local men on furlough and also men who had returned previously. Those present on furlough were C. O. Thorn, V. Thorn, C. MacDonald, M. Prattley, G. C. Prattley, S. Carey, G. Stedman, J. Lawson, and J. Dougherty, while the others were A. Coates, W. Porter, E. Booth, J. Ellis, R. Ellison, J. Hoskins, and J. Garrick. The vice-presi-dent, Mr J. W. Hay, who presided in the absence of the president, Mr J. Coleman, said the old “ diggers ” were proud of those who had so well upheld the traditions of the Anzacs. Mr S. G. Secular, a past president of the R.S.A., referred to rehabilitation, pensions, and land problems as they affected the returned men. He also urged a combined front of all returned men. Mr H. S. Watson in his address deplored the fact that the Port Chalmers branch had no club rooms, and he expressed the hope that members, with the assistance of citizens, would see that the local association soon had a home of its own. Other speakers were the Deputy Mayor, Mr A. •L. S. Cassie, and Mr J. Thorn. Others present were Messrs W. J. Harrison (an Anzac and Boer War veteran), J. Carrington (Bedford and Essex Regiment). J. O’Neill (51st Division, Gordon Highlanders), and J. Fitzgerald (Ist Naval Division). Items were given by Messrs R. Ellison, J. Ellis, L. Neilson, and J. Fitzgerald.

HARMONICA BAND

The sixth annual meeting of the Port Chalmers Harmonica Band was held on Wednesday last, Mr W. Allan Henderson presiding. Presenting the annual report and balance sheet, the secretary said that the past 12 months had been the most difficult period experienced by the band, but fortunately the position had now improved. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr W. Allan Henderson; vice-presidents, Messrs W. J. Waugh and F. L. Erdman; secretary. Mr A. Erdman; bandmaster, Mr W. F. Matson; drum major, Mr G. Maher; sergeant, Mr W. J. Waugh; corporal, Mr C. Smith; committee—Messrs F. Gibbs, F. L. Erdman, G. James, G. Mains, W. J. Waueh, C. Smith, Miss Carruthers. and Miss Gardner; trustees, Messrs A. Erdman and W. J. Waugh; drummer, Mr G. James; auditors, Messrs F. Gibbs and W. A. Henderson. Mr W. Leftwich was elected a life member.