R.S.A. RE-UNION

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3472, 29 May 1934, Page 5

R.S.A. RE-UNION

BIG ASSEMBLAGE AT TE AWAMUTU A SOCIABLE EVENING. - ■ • That the Te Awamutu Returned Soldiers’ Association is a very live' body was evidenced last Satui day evening, when the Parish Hall was filled practically to capacity for the annual reunion, there being members from all parts of the district, notaoly contingents from Puahue, Pirongia and Arohena, where sub-branches have been formed. The president Mr N. McAllister, presided, and with him as special guests were Co.onel Barrowclough, D.S.O. (Auckland), Messrs W ; . J. Broadfoot; M.P. Mdldon (vicepresident Auckland R.S.A.), and S. C. Macky (Waipa County chapman), and several prominent Te Awamutu and district residents. Proceeding’s opened with the usual loyal toast, arid a toast to “Absent Comrades, this item having special significance for Mr H. A. Swarbrick sang the “Requiem” while that toast was being honoured. The chairman after extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, briefly traversed the years working of the Association, mentioning the great success of the appeal launched at- the similar function a year ago on behalf of a former member’s orphaned family, and a benefit concert promoted in the same interns. the Association’s representation’ on behalf of soldiers; pensions—--180 cases affecting pension and relief funds .were dealt with during the year, the chairman remarking that funds were limited, but they were made to go as far as possible. Membership of the local association was steadily growing, and what was especially pleasing was the revived interest in the out-districts. The latest activity has been in connection with soldier settlers’ affairs, and he was hopeful of good results accruing. Mr McAlister next referred to a project that would receive attention in the coming term, and he asked for hearty co-operation. The project was the improvement of soldiers’ graves in local cemeteries, mentioning that at Te Awamutu there are about 25 to 80 soldiers buried. It was planned to clean and maintain all the plots in a tidy condition, and, if possible, place a headstone over each grave. He mentioned that each stone, of the regular style, would cost about £6 10s, so the undertaking was one of considerable magnitude. “At present the plots are a disgrace to us returned soldiers,” he asserted, ‘ end I believe we have the goodwill of the whole community in our effort to fittingly mark the last resting place of our former comrades.” (Hear, hear). Then Mr Bert Hey led the assemblage in a community sing, several old service songs being' lustily sung. Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., proposed the toast of “The Army, Navy, Air Force,'Nursing Sisters and Padres,” and this was enthusiastically honoured. Mr Broadfoot referred to the work of the Association in glowing terms, and went on to speak of the nation’s present-day position, hedged about with difficulties that were exercising the greatest brains of the Empire to solve. He remarked that it was passing strange that Britain, the strongest nation numerically, should nowadays have the smallest army. However, that was a convincing proof to other nations that we are genuine in, our endeavour to bring about universal disarmament. If the other nations fail to follow the lead-the natural result will be rearmament. Looking at the situation dispassionately. he could not help the conclusion that the surest way to preserve world peace was to have a strong British fighting force. That would entail a tremendous annual outlay, and it seemed a pity that such a course should be necessary; but some of the other nations seenr not to have realised the tremendous cost of war and armaments money that cou d be much more usefully employed. Referring more directly to the Great War Mr Broadfoot said it was undoubtedly a fact that the “Old Contemptibles” in that epic rearguard action from Mons saved the British Empire. (Applause.) The speaker then paid a graceful tribute to the special guest of the evening. Colonel Barrowclough, of Auckland, who had had not only a distinguished career on active service, but was still doing wonderful service in the Territorials. (Applause). Mr Broadfoot went on to refer in glowing terms to the work of the Navy and Air Force, tracing the outstanding achievements of the former right down from Oliver Cromwell’s time, and pointing out that Britain’s naval strength is nowadays down to such a minimum as to be a positive encouragement to other nations to seek predominance. “Our Navy must be strengthened—the conditions are too dangerous nowadays to continue jvith the navy below a wise fighting strength,” he asserted. Of the Air Force Mr Broadfoot termed it “the baby of the trio, but a lusty baby, bound to grow and be a worthy brother!” Messrs L. G. Armstrong and W. McKenzie, whose names had been coupled with toast, made appropriate replies, and recounted some of their own personal experiences, Mr McKenzie concluding by asking the company to honour Miss Jean Eatten, the New Zealand airwoman who had established a flight record from England to Australia. Then followed the customary rollcall, each returned man present giving his name and regiment—and the variety of regiments was almost bewildering, ranging through all branches of the service and including quite a number who saw service in the South African War of thirty-odd years ago. Another toast, that of “The R.S.A.” was proposed by Mr A. S. Wallace in a very telling speech, in which he advocated that if conscription of man power is necessary in the next war there should also be fonscription of industry and wealth —'(Applause)— and commendation of the work of the local R.S.A. Mr J. Oliphant fittingly replied to the toast on behalf of the local Association. At this stage the chairman introduced Colonel Barrowclough, who was accorded a. rousing reception. the welcome, the guest of the evening paid a graceful compliment to the local Association, and traversed some of his own experiences, before, during and. since the Great - War, incidentally causing roars of merriment by his humorous relation of his experiences when first going under fire in France. He wen

on to urge the full support of exservice men in the efforts being made to develop the Territorial forces in New Zealand. “No man is worth his salt who does not like soldiering,” he said, “and I regard it as a duty of past comrades to get the younger generation interested in soldiering. They will be of very great use in any future war, and if they are prepared for it their difficulties will be lessened. You older men, who have been through it, can teach the young fellows, and can support the Territorials. - Give, them the encouragement that is their due; see that they are given adequate equipment and facilities for training and don’t listen to folk who preach that our beautiful country does not need defending. The best opportunity for most of the young fellows to serve their country is by enrolling as Territorials—few can be members of Parliament, mayors, or leaders in local body work, but they can all ‘do their bit’ in some way or other. Some people profess to think that it is ‘ the thing ’• to pretend they don’t like soldiering. Don’t listen to such ‘ tommy-rot.’ ” Mr Milldon, vice-president of the Auckland R.S.A., was also accorded a hearty welcome, and he, in acknowledging the welcome, complimented Te Awamutu cn having such a live organisation, and he then referred "to of the Auckland branch to help ex-servicemen in their troubles. Another toast honoui-ed was “The Visitors,” proposed by Dr J. B. Roberton, coupled with the names of Messrs S. C. Macky and Milldon. ' During the evening contributions to the musical programme were made by Messrs Bert Hey, C. Joll (Hamilton), J. E. Lowe, A. W. Skinner and H. McLean, • " " '