MATAURA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 25343, 23 July 1935, Page 5

MATAURA NEWS

DIGGERS’ REUNION.

(From Our Correspondent,) An attendance of some one hundred “diggers” which included large contingents from Gore and Wyndham under presidents L. Roberts and A. Young respectively, was recorded in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mataura, on Satuiday evening when an old time reunion —resuscitated after some years—was held under the auspices of the local R.S.A., and if the attendance and enthusiasm displayed can be taken as a criterion,then this form .of annual social finds much favour still with a large number of returned men. Mr W. A. Christie, president of the Mataura branch, presided and had associated with him on the platform Major S. Rice (Wyndham) and Mr L. Roberts Following the toast of “The King,” Mr F. Clearwater proposed the toast ot “Fallen comrades” which was honoured in silence. . , Entrusted with the toast of ‘oe “N.Z. R.S.A. Association, Mr F. N. K. Downard said that although he was not quite so familiar with the organization as many present, yet he esteemed it an honour at being requested to propose such a toast in order that he might speak of the great organization of which they all were members. They were indebted to General Sir Andrew Russell for his leadership—for he believed no man could watch over the interest of the “diggers” more capably than he. He desired to make mention of the pensions scheme which was now operating in an efficient manner. Diggers” might also remember those “burnt out” comrades who would benefit. The new president of their association was worthy of support and consideration as the affairs of the K.S.A. were secure in his hands. Responding Mr L. Roberts made reference to the transactions at the recent conference in Wellington. It was gratifying to note that great pi ogress could be recorded still, the memoeiship having reached 24,454. He urged those present to continue with their co-operation and thus strengthen the good being done. Their association carried much weight, he continued, and was fighting every question relating to “diggers.” The matter of pensions and after treatment was demanding much fme and thought as cases were coming before them every day, while appeals before the Pensions Board now numbered almost 1090. In addition unemployment constituted a big problem but it was some consolation to be able ‘to say that diggers in the south were better off in that respect than those further north. There was the Burnt Out Diggers’ Bill” impending, which he had no doubt would go through, as it was sound in every respect, and the passage of this measure would benefit many. ~ Concluding Mr Roberts said there were bright prospects of securing provision for Imperial men and the repeated efforts of the association would ensure its being obtained. The toast of “Our Comrades in Arms” was given by Mr Arthur Cockburn and responses were made by Dr Wm. Grove and Mr R. Hutton. . Proposing the toast of Our Visitors and kindred associations Mr 1. Richmond stressed the value of such interchange of visit:. and heartily thanked them for their presence. Appropriate responses, brimful ot humour, were made by Padre Davidson (Brydone), Messrs W. Shelton (Gore) and A, Young (Wyndham). Interspersed with the toast list were many enjoyable vocal and instrumental items ana a successful function concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Women’s Institute. The Mataura Women’s Institute met for the monthly meeting on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Stalker presiding over a good attendance of members. In response to a communication from the Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment League, it was decided to send for goods to be used for Christmas presents. A further letter asking for a delegate to represent the institute at the meeting in Gore relative to the crippled children was received and Mrs Stalker was appointed. Many appropriate responses were given when the roll call “A cure for the blues” was announced. Preliminary arrangements for suitably celebrating the branch’s birthday were maae. Following afternoon tea, dispensed by the

hostesses Mesdames Hutton, Newland, Bowers, Haywood, Dickie and Miss Sayers, a most interesting and instructive lecture on gardening was delivered by Mr A. T. Newman of Gore and at the conclusion several questions were answered. On the motion of Mrs Thompson a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer for his address. Dr Bamado’s Homes. A visitor to Mataura on Friday last was Mrs Acutt, travelling secretary from London of the Young Helpers’ League in connection with Dr Barnado’s Homes. Throughout her tour of New Zealand Mrs Acutt intends visiting all branches with a view to stimulating interest in this great work and also to obtain financial assistance. For this purpose members of the local branch organized a sale of work and sweets, on Friday afternoon in the Presbyterian Sabbath School Hall when there was a large attendance of supporters and good business resulted. In the evening with the aid of a splendid assortment of lantern slides, the visitor gave an interesting account of the work being undertaken by this well-known institution. The speaker pointed out that through the influences brought before inmates there, many had done well in life, and those particularly who had migrated to the Australasian colonies were well satisfied with their lot. Votes of thanks were accorded Pastor R. S. Hoffman for working the lantern in such an efficient manner. Further visits to district centres are anticipated.