“TOC H.”

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 76

“TOC H.”

FORMATION OF A DUNEDIN GROUP. A meeting of those interested in the formation of a Dunedin group of Toe H was held in the Somerset Lounge, Savoy Buildings, on Tuesday evening, and was attended ley about 40 gentlemen. Prior to the meeting those present sat down to a sumptuous tea. which had been provided by Mr P. Barling. At the conclusion of .this, Colonel H. E. Barrowclough stated that Mr Barling had offered to provide the tea at his own expense, and he suggested that some recognition be made of Mr Barling’s generosity.— (Applause.) He thought that the executive should see Mr Barling and express their appreciation. Continuing, Colonel Barrowclough said that the idea was to make the group inexpensive. They would endeavour to keep expenses down so that none would be kept away. They could assemble at 6 p.m. and get away again at 8 p.m.. or sit on till later, as they desired. What they wanted to do that evening was to elect a committee which would get busy and arrange for the next meeeing. Dr IVlfcriington, who was referred to as “padre,” on rising to speak, said that they were reviving the memories of old days when they had embarked on the transports. They had secured a few padres about and amongst them, and others, and would be just as in the old davs, but instead of rallying tor a big war thej* were now rallying for a big peace. lie went on* to refer to fun, fellowship, and fixity of purpose in connection with the formation of the movement. They were gathered together as members of Toe H, which really stood for duty to the public. It had to be instilled into members that they were members to infect others with the germ that tried to do a bit for the common good, and they would be only too glad to pass the “torch of life” on to others. They were spinning a web so that they might remember their brothers, and all that happened on Gallipoli, where so many Otago soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice. There the trenches were only 30 yards apart, and a soldier named Pinkerton had gone out to bring in his lieutenant. He got him, and slowly edged him along and moved him across to our own lines, and just as he was passing the gates he received a bullet through the head. That was unselfishness in reality.

The “ ceremony of light ” was then performed. stood facing the Union Jack, which was hung on the wall, and the room was darkened, and a pledge made as to the attitude of members towards their fellows, and remembrance of those who had been killed hi the war. The ceremony terminated with the words: “ We will remember them for ever,” and was responded to with “We will.” The ordinary business meeting followed, at which it was resolved, on the motion of Colonel Barrowclough—“That a group of Toe H be formed in Dunedin.”

The following office-bearers were appointed:—Committee—Colonel H. E. Barrowelough (chairman), the Rev. E. (J. W. Hassall. Messis C. P. Gilray and J. E. Benton: job-master, Mr W.* H. Meek; padre. Dr Merrington; and secretary, Dr E. F. Thomson.

Dr Merrington suggested that thev might obtain the Returned Soldiers’ Clui> room, for meeting purposes, and it was decided to approach the association in the matter, which was left in the hands of the committee.

It was agreed that the minimum subscription be 5s per annum.

Before the meeting broke up several familiar choruses were sung with enthusiasm.