STEWART ISLAND

Southland Times, Issue 25305, 7 June 1935, Page 12

STEWART ISLAND

NEWS AND NOTES RETURNED SOLDIERS (From Our Correspondent.) For the first time since its formation in 1931, the Stewart Island Returned Soldiers’ Association held a re-union dinner. It was a distinct success. An apology for absence was received from the Rev. R. C. Boyd, of Waikaia, who was one of the founders of the association in 1931. The Stewart Island R.S.A. enjoys the unique position of having a 100 per cent, membership. Every returned soldier in the district is a financial member of the association and 97 per cent, of them were present at the dinner. Mr J. Sloan, president of the association, occupied the chair and with him was the guest of the evening, Mr T. Bragg, chairman of the Stewart Island County Council. The toast list was as follows:—“lnvercargill R.S.A. and Bluff R.S.A.” (proposed by Mr C. Smith and responded to by Mr Bell); “Stewart Island R.S.A.” (Mr T. Bragg-Mr J. Sloan); “Honorary Members” (Mr G. M. Turner—Messrs Charles Robertson and R. C. Hicks); “Stewart Island County Council’! (Mr J. Campbell— Councillors T. Bragg and J. Simmers); “The Ladies” (Mr Calder—Messrs R. Traill and G. Aspinall); “War Funds Association” (Mr J. Sloan—Mr W. Oswald). The office-bearers of the Oban Presbyterian Church met at the Manse on Thursday evening last when the Rev. F. H. Taylor presided over Messrs R. C. Hicks, T. E. Jensen and W. Oswald (session), and Thomson, Traill and J. Peters (Committee of Management). The session decided to hold the next communion service on Sunday, June . 16, at the morning service, and the annual meeting on Thursday, July 18. The Rev. Mr Taylor expressed his appreciation at the way the service was conducted by Sister Peters and Mr Oswald during his indisposition. The treasurer, Mr Jensen, submitted a finance report up to May 31, 1935, to the Management Committee. This showed a small debit balance in the general account. The building fund account showed a credit balance of almost £6O. It is hoped to erect a Sunday school hall in the very near future, but before a commencement can be made another £6O will be required. The secretary stated that a friend who was not a member of the church had assisted with the painting of the church roof and had also fixed two broken windows. The committee greatly appreciated this kindly action, and recorded a vote of thanks. On Monday afternoon Mr and Mrs T. Bragg entertained the councillors and ex-councillors and their wives at afternoon tea. In welcoming the guests, Mr Bragg said that it was the usual custom in boroughs and towns for the Mayo?, after being installed and the councillors sworn in to entertain the retiring Mayor and councillors to tea. He referred to some of the ex-counch’ors, drawing attention to the long and faithful service rendered by Councillor W. Robertson. Mr Robertson had created a record by serving as a councillor for 36 years. He then mentioned the unique positions held by Councillors Jensen and Hansen. In tKe case of the former, both his father and mother had been councillors, and in the case of the latter, his father had been a chairman, while both his grandfathers had been councillors. He concluded by saying that the council was in a good, sound position and he felt sure that the present councillors would handle . the work of the ratepayers in a creditable manner. In reply Councillor R. C. Hicks said that he thpught Mr Bragg’s idea of holding the’ tea party a good one, and ’ he had enjoyed it very much. Various remarks had been made as to why he had again stood for the council and he would like to say that he stood because he had been asked to, and he was quite pleased to be back again after having had a spell. He was there for co-opera-tion in the interests of the Island. Councillor J. Sloan thanked Mr and Mrs Bragg. Councillor J. Simmers and Mr T. E. Jensen also spoke. Those present were: Mr and Mrs T. Bragg, Mr and Mrs J. Simmers, Mr and Mrs J. Sloan, Mr and Mrs William Oswald, Mr and Mrs T. E. Jensen, Mrs Hansen, Mr T. Leask and Mr R. C. Hicks.