RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 20487, 15 May 1928, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS

SUCCESSFUL RE UNION. Although the attendance was not up to expectations, the Invercargill branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association held a highly successful re-union in Smith’s Hall last evening. In the chair was Mr J. Tait, who expended a warm welcome to all present, particularly to the big contingent from Wyndham, who were loudly applauded as they entered in a body. After the loyal toast had been honoured Mr F. G. Hall-Jones proposed the toast of the “Army and the Navy.” In the course of an interesting speech he referred to the ever-changing conditions of modern warfare and recounted many little-known episodes of the Great War. He asked all to lend their support to the present training system in New Zealand. Mr F. W. Watson replied to the toast in humorous vein. To Mr S. Rice was entrusted the toast of the “Returned Soldiers’ Association.” He referred to the valuable services rendered by the association and to the wisdom of the reorganization of the Invercargill branch. The Wyndham branch, of which he was a member, was a live body, as many as 70 having attended re-unions there. He regretted that there was so much apathy among many returned soldiers. The comradeship of the trenches was worthy of a better fate. Wyndham and Edendale were both willing to throw in their lot with Invercargill if the executive in the town did its part. Mr J. Tait, who replied to the toast, invited a general discussion on R.S.A. matters and opportunity was taken to go into several points of interest, including a suggested cash purchase system and the advisability of having a dinner at re-unions instead of a cold supper. Other toasts honoured included the “Visitors’* and the “Press.” During the evening an enjoyable musical programme was contributed by Messrs Rewi Kingsland, Lumsden, Hall-Jones and the Gaiety Orchestra.