OLD SOLDIERS MEET

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 641, 18 April 1929, Page 6

OLD SOLDIERS MEET

GOVERNOR-GENERAL AT SMOKE CONCERT HAPPY REUNION Over 400 people, returned soldiers and their wives, met at Scots Hall last evening. The function took the form of a smoke concert. The Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, was present, and the ViceRegal party included her Excellency, the Lady Alice Fergusson, and Captain Boyle, aide-de-camp. Others present were Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. Dawson, C.M.G., Mrs. Dawson, Lieut-enant-Colonel J. Hardie-Neil, D. 5.0., and Mrs. Basil Cadoux, president of the ex-Service Women’s Association. Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, welcomed their Excellencies, saying it was the first time a Returned Soldiers’ Association function had been graced by their presence. He welcomed the Governor-General as the representative of the King and also as an old comrade of many of those present. Many people did not know that Sir Charles had commanded the Fifth Division in the retreat from Mons. The Governor-General said he was proud to have the opportunity of meeting old comrades at that function —they and he had been in the same theatres of war. He was delighted to be among them again. In happy strain he spoke on the humorous side of the war which, he said, made war not too unbearable. Sir Charles then related one or two amusing occurrences that befel him. Sir Charles had read the last report of the R.S.A., and was pleased to see that membership was increasing at this centre, and not decreasing, as elsewhere. He advocated support of the association. “Do not let it dwindle away,” he said. “The spirit behind the movement is that of ‘Help others; not self.’ ” That should be a man’s idea in joining the association. Musical items by the band of the Northern Depot, New Zealand, Engineers, and by several artists were greatly enjoyed. And old war choruses were sung with gusto. Supper was served during the evening.