FRIENDSHIPS REVIVED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17610, 28 October 1931, Page 4

FRIENDSHIPS REVIVED

REUNION OF “DIGGERS” GISBORNE R.S.A. GATHERING “ We 'meet, once more to re vivo those friendships cemented oversells. ” These words of Lt.-Col. R. F. Gambrill, president of tin 1 Gisborne R.S.A. at the annual reunion last night briefly summed up the objects of the gathering. The hand of friendship, ho added, was needed more now in these times of economic stress, but they must forget the hard times and leave the hall believing that better times were coming. About .Til) “Diggers’' responded to the bugle call, and they certainly did justice to the president's wish. They opened by singing “Pack up Your Troubles" in a manner that left no doubt that, if gloom was present among any section of the gathering, it was instantly dispelled. Other songs popular in the trenches were sung with equal care-free gust.o. The gathering included representatives of most sections of the New Zealand .forces, with also the Imperial Forces and veterans

of the South African War. The president sat on the stage, which was arranged to represent a dugout, and with him were: Mr. J. 11. Taplin, president of the Ruatoria R.S.A.; Mr. N. G. Hardy, president of the Matawai R.S.A.; Mr. F. Cook, president of the Waikpliu R.SA; Mr. W. D. Lysnar, M.P.; the Mayor, Mr. D. AY. Coleman; Messrs. T. Todd, 11. Ivenway, .T. Tombleson, A. L. Muir, Chas. Matthews, G. E. Darton, and L. O'Halloran. Apologies were read from General Sir Andrew Russell; Major-General Sinclair-Burgess, G.O.C. Now Zealand forces; Mr. K. S. Williams, M.P.; Sir Apirana Ngata, Mr. A. M. AVilkins, president of the Waiapu Ex-Service-men’s League. ABSENT COMRADES. At all such gatherings, the president said, the association made a practice to remember the pals they loft behind them, those who had left them since returning, and also those who were still alive but who were not in the same fortunate position as most. To remember those who were now no longer lmng, lie asked a quartette, comprising Messrs. Hacche, Alexander, Hiilyard and Melvor to sing “The Long Day Closes.” The assembly stood while this was sung, after which Mr. Murphy, bandmaster of the City Band, played the Last Post. The toast to “Absent Comrades” was then honored, followed by the singing of “For They are Jolly Go.od Fellows.” The gathering settled down after this to enjoy the singing in unison of songs from the “hymn sheets.” As. promised, speeches were brief, but it was inevitable that some of the visitors were called on to speak. The president expressed thanks to the Gisborne Boxing Association for ; postponing its carnival sot down for that night, until this evening. A lively programme of music was provided by tho orchestra, led by Mr George Crawshaw. The gathering showed its appreciation of its efforts by heartily drinking the health of its members.