EX-SOLDIERS FOREGATHER

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1930, Page 9

EX-SOLDIERS FOREGATHER

RE-UNION AT URENUI. There was no lack of enthusiasm at the second annual re-union of the Urenui Returned Soldiers’ Association last night. Ex-Servicemen from Uruti, Okoke, Pukearuhe, Waitara and New Plymouth helped to make up the party of 70 or 80 guests who foregathered in the Urenui hall. Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Weston presided, and associated with him were Captain F. Hartnell (president) and E. J. Carr (secretary), New Plymouth Returned Soldiers’ Association, Major Bertrand, Major Varnhara, Air. A. H. Halcombe, Mr. J. C. Rockett (president) and W. Scott (secretary) of the Urenui Returned Soldiers’ Association.

After the loyal toast had been honoured that of the Army, Navy and Air Force was proposed by Major Bertrand. The toast, he said, was really that of the defenders of the Empire and each branch of the forces had done its best and what it had been sent to accomplish. Mr. C. 11. Croker, replying on behalf of the navy, said that the navy had always done its share of the defence of the* Empire and as everyone knew its record needed no praise. The first V.C. was won by a midshipman, and that was indicative of the spirit that still permeated the British navy Sergeant Major Bell responded on behalf of the army. Mr. E. J. Carr said there was no need for him to bear tribute to the work of the airmen in the late war. Every unit of the forces would bear testimony to the bravery and modesty of the airmen and the value of their work. “Absent Comrades” was proposed by Mr. E. K. Blundell. Captain Hartnell in proposing the toast of the Urenui Eeturned Soldiers’ Association said it was a wonderful record that in a small district there should be an association with a financial membership of 75. It was fortunate in having the warm support of the -womenfolk of the district, and with their help the success of the association could perhaps be understood. With the help of the womenfolk and the association there was little fear but that the children of the district would be brought up to realise their duties- as citizens of the future.

Mr. J. Rockett, president of the association, replied. Major Varnliam proposed the toast of other units, including the war nurses, Mao.i War veterans, South African veterans, Frontiersmen, machine gunners, engineers, rifle brigade, camel corps, army medical corps, stetcher-bearci s, army service corps and the Y.M.C.A. Mr. T. O. Riordan, responding for the nurses, said that no returned man would ever forget ihe fine work done by the gallant band of army nurses. On the roll of honour there were names of many brave souls whose memory would always be revered, and standing out in that roll were many of the nurses who gave up their lives in the noble cause. Sergeant Major Bell replied on behalf of Gio South African veterans. Mounted Ries was responded to by Mr. G. E. Jago, the artillery by . Mr. Fitzgerald, engineers by Mr. G. Loveiidge, Legion of Frontiersmen by Major G. Bertrand, Rifle Brigade by Mr. G. Fuller, R.A.M.C. and Y.M.C.A. by Mr. E. J. Carr and Machine Gunners by Mr. J. Thompson. Other toasts honoured were: Our Hosts (Mr. E. J. Carr—Mr. W. Scott); The Ladies (Mr. Jago), and the Press. An excellent dinner was provided by a ladies’ committee consisting of Mesdaines Rattenbury, Rockett, Loveridge, O. Riordan. Salway, Gleeson, H. J. Smith and Miss Mabey. The general arrangements were in the bands of the executive of the association, Messrs. J. C. Rockett (president), D, Des Forges, G. Loveridge, J. Thompson T. O. Riordan, J. Johnson, R. Johnson, S. Hewlett, D. Tate, R. Bramald and W. Scott (secretary). Songs were contributed by Messrs. C. Blake, F. Healy Howlett, Copeman, D. Langey and D. Des Forges. Mr. H. Bosworth gave a flute solo and Mr, P. Fredrie was accompaniste.