W R. NATIONAL RESERVE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20436, 16 August 1915, Page 4

W R. NATIONAL RESERVE.

No. 1, Company of jthe.: Wanganui branch of , the Railway National Reserve held a smoke concert and social in the "Social Mall on Saturday evening. Mr W. Pirie, one of. the Vice-presidents of the Reserve, oceiipied the' enftir. xle read apologies from Mr J. E. Armstrong (president), also Messi-s H. C. Koch, C. E. Mackay, and W. A. Veitch, M.P The chairman, in a most interesting!^^ speech, outlined the steps,that had been taken to form a local branch of, the : National Reserve^ the enthusiasm members had taken in the movement, and the work which was being done at the, present time. .; The chairman "Jso stated that they had another great object bjr having this gathering that evening, to tareweld those members about to proceed to the front, and give an opportunity to country members, whose duties call them out ail over the section, to meet our mem-t bers and to welcome them and any railway men who have not joined the Reserve, to joindt,, so that all railway men would be cemented" together as one to assist the Empire in the greatest crisis in the annals of the world's history. V The following toasts were" honoured during tlie evening: "The King,' proposed by the chairman; ''The/National Reserve," proposed by Mr Westfield, and responded to by Captains Rush, Lieuts. Njjwsham and Vincent, a!so by ■ Captain Hurst,""of No. 2 Coy/,; Easttown ; " The X ew Zealand Expeditionary" Forces," proposed by Lieut. J. Curtis (of the Engineers), responded to by Sergt. W. R. ,Setter, Lieuts. Newsham and 81. Power; "The Navy," Ipropo^! by Mi* T. H. Hall, and responded to with musical honours; "New Zealand Railways,1' proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr H. A-.-Wright and Mr T..L. Hall j "The Ladies'' and "Th«* Press," were also toasted. During the evening the-.Chairman - took occasion to present! Mr H. A. Wright, secretary of the Corps, with a case of pipes in recognition of his feer-. • vices, expressing esteem ;=o£ the able manner in which he has carried out his duties and trusting that he will stiJl continue to take an active part in the • future as in the past., for tne welfare of the corps. Mr Wright, in acknowledging the gift, stated he appreciated the membei's' kind expressions and would~do all in his power to further the interests of the corps. Musical items were rendered by Messrs Ryan, Jarman, Anderson, ~ McMillan, Groen, Hall, and other gentlemen; and Messrs Setter and Green-ably-officiated at the piano. Recitations were given by Messrs.'JT* 0. Trillo and H; Lambwi The lihgtn^ of the National Anthem , brought the function to a close at 11 p.m. 'lll_____