TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 118, 21 May 1932, Page 3

TAIHAPE

U.S.A. REUNION. A most convivial atmosphere prevailed at the annual re-union of the Taihape and District Returned Soldiers’ Association on Friday evening, and the spirit of goodfellowship, which is so noticeable at R.S.A. gatherings, was very much in evidence. The function was held in the Town Hall supper room which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Mr. J. Thompson, president of the local branch ot the N.Z.R.S.A., presided over a large attendance which included Mr. J. S. Harrison, general secretary, headquarters, Wellington. Numerous toasts were honoured, wartime songs were sung, and social items were contributed by various ex-service-men. After a few words of welcome by the president, the Royal toast was honoured, after which the gathering stood in silence for two minutes as a mrak of respect to fallen comrades.

The chairman introduced Mr. Harri son, general secretary, Wellington. In responding, Mr Harrison said that this was the second occasion on which he had enjoyed the pleasure of attending a R.S.A. re-union at Taihape. He briefly outlined the work of headquarters from a national point of view, and remarked that there were three important matters which were exercising the minds of “diggers” and the Dominion executive, namely, the Canteen Fund, War Funds, Reductions in War Pensions. Mr. Harrison explained the system of administrating the Canteen Fund, adding that £ll,OOO had been allocated last year for the relief of distress, at the rate of £lOOO a month. A suggestion had been made to the Canteen Fund Board to evolve an annuity system to help ex-servicemen who have attained the age of 60 years, and the suggestion would be fully considered by the Dominion executive. Mr. Harrison explained that the Canteen Fund Board had £2000,000 to work on.

Speaking of War Funds, Mr. Harrison said that there had been a considerable drain on these funds with the result that the Patriotic Societies in the principal cities had funds available for the sick and wounded only. The men needing assistance most, were men with lengthy service records—and unfortunately the funds to help them, were exhausted. “The War Funds Council has £160,000, and has made available for relief since 1927, the sum of £35,000. If there is a 4 tightening’ from the Patriotic Society here there must be a similar ‘tightening’ everywhere,” added the speaker. Mr. Harrison w’ent on the explain the attitude of the Dominion executive, in regard to the reduction in war pensions. The Economy Commission had recommended reductions involving a saving to the Government of £135,000 in 1932-33. The Government had stated that it wrnuld be satisfied with £BO,OOO, and members of the Dominion executive of the R.S.A. had waited on the Prime Minister, and the Hon. W. Downie Stewart and the Hon. J. G. Coates to discuss the matter. The Dominion executive stated that it was prepared to accept a 20 per cent cut in the economic pension, but would rot stand for reductions in the physical disability, and widows’ and orphans' pensions, and the exemptions applied for, had been granted.

“The Economy Commission wanted £135,000; the Government wanted £BO,000, but as a result of the Dominion executive efforts the amount was reduced to £60,000,” declared Mr. Harrison. Speaking of the strength of the N.Z. R.S.A., the general secretary announced that the membership had increased by 91 per cent since 1927. During the past year 1300 names had been added to the roll. In conclusion, Mr. Harrison gave the local branch of the R.S.A. some useful advice, and told them to press nothing but reasonable and sane issues. Mr. Harrison was accorded a great ovation at the conclusion of his address, and the gathering sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Proposing the tqast of “Headquarters,” coupled with the names of Mr. J. S. Harrison, general secretary, and Mr. A. Gorton, assistant-secretary, Mr. L. H. Haydon said that headquarters was carrying on great work for the benefit of ex-ser-vicemen. In replying, Mr. Harrison quoted some figures in connection with Poppy Day. He said that Poppy Day started in 1922 and the sum of £84,000 had been collected to date, excluding the proceeds of the last sale. Mr. W. White proposed the toast of “The Borough Council” stating that the R.S.A. had a lot to thank the council for. In responding the Mayor (Mr. L. B. H. de Lautour) said that anything the "ouncil had done, had given it much pleasure. He congratulated the R-.S.A. on the turn-out on Anzac Day. At this stage Messrs A. N. Zohs and K. L. Anderson, of Mangaweka, were presented with membership badges by t the general secretary, who explained ' rhat such badges should always bo worn o-i the right lape] of the coat. The i oast of the “Taihape Patriotic So- • ty” was entrusted to Drfl G. N. Mac--1 Diarmid. In the course of his reply, Mr. F. W. Homerville congratulated the associa- : ion on the Anzac Day parade and com mended the innovation of a social gathj ering after the service. He paid a high 'tribute to the work of the president jCUr. J. T. Thompson) and congratulI nted Mr. Harrison on his interesting ’•.nd instructive address. The ioast of the “Quartermaster,” Mr. S. Page, 'coupled with the name of Mr. Bevege, I who had come all the way from Feildi big to help decorate the room for the re union and assist in other ways, was enthusiastically honoured. The president proposed the toast of “Doctors and Nurses,” Dr. H. M. Hay responding. During the evening social items were contributed by Messrs. J. Dawson, 1 F. McSweeney, H. Seagar. F. T'.radine, V. Batchelor and C. H. Webb. Mr. S. Dash officiated at the piano. HOCKEY NOTES. The competition was advanced a further stage on Thursday under favourable climatic conditions. Results are as under: — Ladies’ Games.—Kiwi 3 defeated Tui