YOUNG AND OLD ANZACS

Southland Times, Issue 24764, 8 June 1942, Page 5

YOUNG AND OLD ANZACS

OLD BRIGADE HOSTS TO NEW “DIGGERS”

Young Anzacs and old Anzacs joined forces in a night of song and story arranged by the executive of the Invercargill Returned Services Association in Smith’s Hall on Saturday night. The function was arranged for the purpose of welcoming men returned from the present war, and of initiating them into membership, plus goodfellowship, of the Returned Services Association. It was a happy occasion. About 20 recently returned men were present. Dr A. Owen Johnston, president of the Invercargill Association, was chairman. "I should address you as men, but to me you are just boys, seeing you come in about 27 years after us,” said the chairman in welcoming the young Anzacs. He hoped they would enjoy their association with the Returned Soldiers* Association. It had become an influential body in the social life of New Zealand, even though there had been obstacles in the early life and establishment of the association. The men who were coming back from the present war would have to take up the reins and keep the organization strong and alive. DEPUTY-MAYOR’S WELCOME The deputy-Mayor (Mr A. Wachner), who is a member of the association, also spoke a word of welcome to the "new” men. “You are the first members to be the guests of the returned men of the old war,” he said. The older members had to start the organization" and now the younger men had come back to a ready-made association. Last time the men had to settle down and re-establish themselves without, in many instances, anybody to give counsel and advice. They had persevered and succeeded, and now they would be able to take the new men in hand and give them the benefit of their experience and knowledge. Lieutenant-Colonel H. C. Mackenzie proposed the toast of the “New K.SA." and remarked that old and young were all one body now. They should be able to pull together and keep one strong association going. The members of the old brigade wished the young members well. Mr F. H. McEwan proposed the toast of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and Messrs P. L. Hodge and H. Ritchie replied. On behalf of the executive Mr Hodge thanked Messrs J. W. Smith, J. S. Robbie and A. Wachner for their generosity in making the function possible. An entertainment programme was given by Messrs A. W. Kummert, C. Paine, W. Holding, J. Gilchrist, N. Armstrong, W. Adams, J. Harvey and P. L. Hodge. Mr H. Fraser operated the lantern in community singing. DINNER AT TUATAPERE The annual dinner of the Tuatapere R.S.A. was held on Saturday night when Mr G. Duthie presided over 70 members and visitors who were present from InvercarglH, Winton, Ohai, Otautau and Orepuki. Among the guests were Captain Leith and Warrant Officer Smart also several returned men from the present war. Mr A. J. Officer was toast-master. The Otautau Quartette accompanied by Mr Jellyman contributed several items. REUNION AT EDENDALE The annual reunion of the Edendale Returned Services Association was held on Saturday night, about 60 members and visitors being present. Mr G. Heads was chairman and Mr W. Findlay was toastmaster. Lieutenant-Colonel W. Bell represented Invercargill and there were visitors from Wyndham, Riverton and Hedgehope present.