RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 22131, 27 September 1933, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS

WINTON SUB-ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REUNION. (From Our Correspondent.) On Friday evening last an attendance of over 100 returned soldiers of the Winton district assembled in the Masonic Hall on the occasion of the annual reunion of the Winton Returned Soldiers’ Sub-Association. Mr J. A. Cushen, the president, occupied the chair, there being associated with him his Worship the Mayor, Mr Thomas Walker, and members of the Borough Council, the Rev. Father O’Neil, the Rev. A. G. Gardiner, members of the Invercargill R.S.A. and members of the local executive. As a mark of respect to fallen comrades a silent toast was first honoured.

Mr Cushen extended a hearty welcome to the large gathering and remarked that each year the assemblage had grown larger until the building was fully taxed. In proposing the toast of “Parliament and Local Bodies,” Mr O. A. B. Smith said that the majority had only a brief acquaintance of work on local bodies, and quite often it was only once a year that an interest was taken in such activities—this being when ■ a statement of rates, etc., was received. He was of the opinion that most would agree that members of local bodies were always out to do their best and give good service to the town and districts they represented. The Mayor of Winton, Mr Walker, briefly replied, after apologies for the absence of Mr P. A. de la Perrelle, M.P. for the district, and Mr W. M. Norman (local member of the Southland County Council) had been read. He thanked the local R.S.A. executive for the invitation that had been extended to himself and members of the council to be present that evening. He referred to the excellent attendance and remarked that it indicated a great spirit of comradeship.

Mr F. Tilley, a member of the Borough Council, also replied, and a second member of the council, Mr H. Liddell added a few remarks, while Mr J. T. Butler spoke on behalf of the Southland County Council in the absence of Mr W. Norman.

The toast of “The Army, Navy and Air Force,” was in the hands of the Rev. A. G. Gardiner, who referred to the efficiency of the three forces. As a member of the army he could not very well do it justice and be modest about it so he would refer to the work of the Navy, he said. If it had not been for the wonderful efficiency of the Navy, none of those present would have had the honour of drinking the toast that evening. There was one thing that could be said of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and that was the wonderful fellowship that existed. It had in no small measure been responsible for the success that had been attained. Mr W. Woods replied.

Reference to the excellent work that the local branch was accomplishing was made by Mr Walker, in proposing the toast of the “Winton R.S.A.” He first congratulated the local association on its activity and said it was a very strong and valuable institution in the district. The association had now successfully established its up-to-date club rooms, which were certainly a credit to the efforts of the executive, and he was sure that the rooms would serve a very useful purpose. The local association had much to be thankful for in the choice of the members of its executive and the control of the branch was in the very best hands. The local

branch had made rapid progress and by assisting less fortunate returned men it was doing a wonderful work. Captain F. Kynaston, of the Invercargill Association, in reply referred to the work accomplished by the institution since its formation in 1916. He mentioned the Invercargill body’s activity in assisting unemployed “diggers” and said that £lOO a month was expended in this direction. The speaker was greatly impressed with the presence of the large gathering that evening

and spoke of the capable manner in which the Mayor had proposed the toast. He urged all returned men to join up with the association and assist in swelling the strength of the movement. He said that frequently returned men broken down in health called at the office of the Invercargill Association seeking assistance, and he was pleased to be able to state that so far as it had been able the association had given assistance to them all. (Applause.) If there was no R.S.A. move-

ment how was anyone going to get this help? He asked all to back up the movement and he expressed the hope that next year the Winton branch would have its largest membership. Other toasts honoured were: “Nurses, Padres and Women Workers” (proposed by Mr J. Frew and responded to by the Rev. Father O’Neil); “The Visitors” (Mr C. Grimwood—Messrs R. M. Gilmour and Alex Clark); “Outlying District Members” (Mr M. J. Forde—Messrs Palmer, Dipton, R. Gray,

Browns and Potts, Hedgehope); “The Ladies” (Mr A. McCurdy—Mr L. Brumby); “The Chairman” (Mr T. Walker—Mr Cushen). Song and story also occupied a prominent part of the programme, the leaders in the musical numbers being

Messrs A. Clark, O. Jamieson, F. Tilley and W. Reales. Mr Roy Wilson acted as accompanist. Mr Cushen spoke of the wonderful assistance of Mr Wilson at the piano and asked him to accept a small present from the executive.