THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17343, 16 July 1924, Page 12

THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.

GUESTS OF R.S.A. Local blind returned soldiers and members of the Commercial Travellers’ Association were the guests of the Returned Soldiers’ Club last, evening, when the first of a series of social gatherings was held. Colonel H. Stewart, D. 5.0., president of the Dominion Association, was in the chair. In proposing the toast of “Our Guests " the colonel spoke appreciatively of the good work of the commercial travellers oil behalf of the blind soldiers. Mr W. E. Leadiey, secretary of the Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Club, endorsed the remarks ofr the president. He congratulated Colonel Stewart on his appointment to the office of 3Toman ion president. He was a worthy successor to General Sir Andrew Russell. There was one great problem, he said, which the R.S.A. had to face; and it was becoming more acute each year. It was the care of the aged veterans. He advocated the building of a veterans' home in the South Island. The money would be. available from the canteen funds and it was to be hoped the matter would be taken up. Messrs 15. Jacobs, president of the Commercial Travellers’ Association, and W. Herrick, secretarv. responded on behalf of the association. Mr W. MT 11tosh replied on behalf of tho blind soldiers. The toast of “The King ” was proposed by Colonel Stewart. Musical and vocal offerings were contributed by Messrs T. Charters. R.. A. B. Turner. J. Lawrenson, J. Rutherford. Berry arid Lovat, A. Dev and N. Clarke. It was announced that the next gathering would be hold in the Art Gallery on August 12. when the Go-vernor-General would be present. The occasion would mark the returned soldiers’ farewell to his Excellency.