FOURTH OF AUGUST.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18248, 5 August 1921, Page 5

FOURTH OF AUGUST.

SOLDIERS’ RE-UNION. R.S.A. SMOKE CONCERT, The annual re-union of the Wane ganui Returned Soldiers’ Association, held last evening, was a very successful function. There was a large attendance of members iu the social hall, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all. The re-uniou was the usual soldiers’ smoko, and everything went with a swing. A splendid programme of musical and other items had been arranged, and a toast list was honoured. “The King,"- proposed by the president, Mr. W. H. Cunningham, opened proceedings, followed by “Our Association,” also proposed by the presi-’ dent. Mr. Cunningham reminded all that the day was the anniversary of the occasion when, seven years ago, there dawned one of the most fateful days in the history of the British Empire, when Britain stepped into the European war to prove that right was might, without counting he consequences. It was hard {o! think that it was seven years since! the event which was the cause of I the foundation of the Association,! said Mr. Cunningham. There hadj been some little ups and downs, but' the Vitality was keener than ever,( and the Association was now flour-; ishing. No matter what unit the members belonged to, all soldiers were pals of the Great War, and the Association only required loyal support. Many soldiers were only: beginning to appreciate it and its influence and usefulness would grow with the years. All should come along and support their own Association.

Mr. Broadbent, in replying, said the Association was now getting along “just ail right" and was now on a good financial footing. Lieut. Wales, of the Defence Department, proposed the toast of “Absent Comrades.” He said that there were present that evening men who were in every unit of the division and every one missed his comrades of old times. They were now scattered all over New Zealand There were many who also had memories of jolly good pals who would never come back. Lieut. Wales went on to say that while those present might not be called ou to go to another war returned soldiers should see to it that the boys of to-day were fit to be the soldiers of tomorrow. Lieut. Wales said it was a fact that over 100,000 ot New Zealand’s men had been turned down as unfit to take their places in the army. Though living in ideal conditions, not fifty per cent, could be found fit for the army. Thera were many ways in which the race could be improved. The speaker referred to one particular item, teeth (a remark which caused an outburst of amusement at the expense ot a popular member) but it was most important. He said that recently, when the cadet N.C.O’s were in camp at Trentham, only two out of eighty were found to have sound teeth. The reports from the dental official had been sent on to the parents, but no replies had been re. ceived. Parents were neglecting their children’s teeth. Lieut. Wales said that m years gone by some professional soldiers had not been efficient, and the Returned Soldiers' Association should use its influence to kick any such out of his position, even if it was the speaker. Lieut. Wales incidentally remarked that it was a fact that a greater portion of countrymen than townsmen were founu to be unfit when examined 'for the Army.

“Honorary Members” was proposed by Mr. s. Kernohan. The Association wanted them, he sAid. but some discretion was need in the selection. When referring to the type of men they needed, he mentiond Mr. Geo. Buckley, and he expressed the gratification which the Committee felt in having Mr. Buckley, who had now 'jiken the orchestra in hand and was rallying its members. Mr. Buckley had a name bi musical circles which was a great asset to the Association. MrBuckley suitably replied, emphasising that there were musicians among the ranks of the returned men and that there was still room in the; orchestra and scope for their abili. ties

Included on the programme were numerous items by the orchestra. Pipe-Major Thompson’s bagpipes provided a rare treat and the "Mac" quartette and Mr. E. Thomas rendered items for which they had to give encore numbers. This, too, was the luck of Mr. Casey Grant, Mr. S. Kernohan and Mr. Bob Howell, whose ivocaf efforts met with enthusiastic receptions In view of the success of the evening’s entertainment it was decided to hold another “smoko" at an early date. Some idea of the running of the Association was gleaned from the tencur of the quarterly meeting, which was held prioi to the smoke concert.

The president, in reviewing the last three months, said the main items of interest were the opening ot the rifle range (miniature), which had been very successful The social entertainments had also been a great success, Not only would they bet self-supporting, but there would ba a surplus at the end of the season. The Association was gratified to Mr. Geo. Buckley lor his services in reforming the orchestra. The question of a library was a big one as it would involve considerable expense. There were no funds in hand, but it was hoped there soon would be. The president said members would be interested to know that the Aramoho School pupils were attending to the soldiers’ graves and the Association had also to thank the Borough Council for turf and the Waitotara County Council for shell rock. Lobelia was being planted and the gift of plants would be thankfully received. The president reported that Mr. E. J. Foster had Been elected to fill a vacancy on the committee caused by the resignation of Mr. Woods and the inability of Mr Malcolm (S.A. Veteran) to accept appointment. Mr. Cunningham said the finances of the club were now in a satisfactory state, tha club being nearly free of debt.