OHAKUNE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 240, 11 October 1938, Page 12

OHAKUNE

RETURNED SOLDIERS The half-yearly meeting and reunion of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in St. Joseph's Hall on October 8, there being a good attendance of members, presided over by the president. The usual toasts were honoured at the conclusion of the business. Several telegrams were received from old R.S.A. members who have been transferred afar, namely Digger Palmer, of Te Kuiti; Messrs. Lynch and Aickin, of Wanganui, and G. Leahy, of Palmerston North.

In passing, the president mentioned it was very gratifying to know that those old diggers, all past members of the committee, although far away, they still maintain their memberhip and interest in the association. Reference was also made to an absent member, Tim Epiha, who is at present in the Wellington Hospital undergoing treatment. From reports received from the Wellington Association hospital visitor, Tim is progressing as well as can be expected and hopes to be back in Ohakune again very soon.

Owing to the resignation of Mr. F. Palmer, recently transferred to Te Kuiti, Mr. J. Coffin was elected to the committee to fill the vacancy. Mr. W. Pearce gave a very stirring description of the recent Anzac trip to Australia by the New Zealand Diggers.

The president, Mr. McLeod, gave a report on the association’s work for the past half-year, which was received amid great applause, all those present realising that although it is quite a small body there is a great deal of work for the welfare of the local returned soldiers. He also appealed to all members to try and bring another Digger along to become a member of the branch as it is the committee’s desire to see the register reach the 100 mark before the annual meeting in March.

Musical items were rendered during the evening by Messrs. Wildboone

and Gifford, whom the committee thanked for their entertainment. Also to Mr. Wally Kerr, who acted as pianist, and to the “Penny Squeaker Artist From the Arganout,” who rendered some very good items, especially the impersonation of Gracie Fields. In conclusion, the president thanked the mess orderlies for their untiring efforts in the way they carried out their duties under the guidance of the very capable hand of Mr. W. Watson, who is no stranger to the Diggers who attend these functions. On the visitors’ list were members from the Wanganui branch. Hunterville branch, Waimarino and Te Aroha branches. In the toast for absent comrades, which was taken by all present standing in silence, Mr. Hardie, the secretary, gave a very reverent song suitable to the occasion.

The president thanked all members for their attendance and hoped to see even more roll up to the annual meet-