MARTON NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 96, 24 April 1945, Page 2

MARTON NOTES

R.S.A. ANNUAL REUNION THE PRESIDENT HONOURED. Members of the past and present wars were in strong force at ihe annual reunion ol the Marton R.S.A. on Saturday evening, there being 200 present, including a number of returned mon that had arrived during the day rrom overseas. Mr. G. B. Gregory, president of the Marton R.S.A., Mr. B. J. Jacobs, Dominion president, Mr. R. M. S. J oners president of the Hunterville R.S.A., Mr. F. Purnell, Mayor of Marton, Mr. E. B. Gordon, M.P., Rev. W. Low (Hunterville), Sister Ryan and Mrs. J. Cherry (Nursing Division), and Mr. C. C. McDonald (Marton executive), occupied the official table. The loyal toast was honoured, followed by "Fallen Comrades,” “Requiem” being sung by Mr. .H Crutchley and the "Last Post” sounded by .Mr. W. Set ford. In proposing the toast of "Headquarters R.5.A.,” Mr. Jones stated that 14 years ago with the assistance of the Marlon branch, Hunterville formed a brane'; with 20 members, and now they had over 100 members. They hoped to further increase their mem bership in future years by the addition of 2nd. N.Z.E.F. men. He considered that the headquarters had done, a wonderful job with a staff that could not bo excelled. It xvas a solid mobile and lasting institution and he urged all members of both wars to take an active interest in the association. Their Dominion president had all the attributes necessary for a leader, who would stand by the branches and men in a practical manner. Mr. Jacobs thanked the speaker for his personal references. Marton was one of the leading branches in the Dominion, and they had sponsored the Hunterville and Bulls branches, which were now' flourishing. Headquarters would stand all square behind the branches and to-day it stood very high with the public of New Zealand. They were handling large sums of money for all returned soldiers. He suggested that they should never be separate in their ideals but march through life as a strong organisation. Headquarters did not form the policy of tfie R.S.A. It was for the branches to formulate the policy at the annual meetings. It was a pleasure to him to visit the branches and to obtain their views. He was proud of the position he held and hoped that he would receive the goodwill of those for whom he had been working. (Applause). Presentation Made. “It is my pleasant duty to-night,” sair Mr. Jacobs, to present to your president a Certificate of Merit, which is engraved: *48197 George Boston Gregory, Ist N.Z.E.F.: In grateful recognition of your outstanding services to the New Zealand Returned Services Association, rendered for the benefit of ex-servicemen generally, Lie association has resolved to place your name on its special Honours List, recording its appreciation of your unselfish devotion to the interests of your fellows. (Signed) B. J. Jacobs, President. March 27, 1945.”' President Jacobs also presented Mr. Gregory with a gold badge of membei ■ ship. Mr. G. B. Gregory was received with prolonged applause on rising to reply and thanked the president for his remarks. He considered that it was through the splendid assistance of his executive that they had made such good progress, and referred to Mr C. C. McDonald, who had completed 25 years’ service on the Marton branch Mrs. G. B. Gregory was presented with a box of beautiful flowers and Mr. Gregory responded on her behalf, stating that she derived a lot of pleasure in entertaining the soldiers, and in assisting them in every possible way. Mr. McDonald proposed “Women of the Services ” and paid tribute to the women of New Zealand who had given outstanding service to their homeland and the British Empire. A great deal of the success in patriotic work was due to the splendid service of the xvomen, he said, and referred to the organisation of clubs by Lady Frey berg for the benefit of the services fighting overseas. Sister Ryan thanked the speaker for his flattering remarks. “Our Guests and Fighting Services of the Present War” was proposed by Mr. Purnell, who congratulated the branch on the honour that had been conferred upon the president and their appreciation of Mrs. Gregory’s services. It had been a great pleasure to work with the association. He also congratulated the men on their safe return from overseas and extended to them grateful thanks for their services, where they had upheld the traditions of the original Anzac. Sergeant Leslie Campbell (2nd N.Z.E.F.) expressed his appreciation at being present at the reunion. He’was pleased to be back in Marton, which he described as one of the best towns in New Zealand, and whose people were most hospitable He urged all returned men to join the R.S.A. In proposing "Visitors and Entertainers,” Mr. G. Denboxv extended a hearty welcome to the visitors from Bulls. Hunterville, Rata, Ohakea and Palmerston North and thanked the orchestra, Messrs T. Marks (piano), W. Setford (cornet) and J. Allen (drums), whose bright and sparkling music was fully appreciated: also to Messrs T. H. Bostick, H. Crutchley and W. Summerion, for their vocal selections; to Mr. Colin Brant and his entertainment committee for the efficient manner in w'hich all arrangements had been carried out. Mr. Joe Ellery, president of the Bulls branch, expressed the pleasure of the visitors at being at such a happy reunion and wished the Marton branch further success in 1916. A competition was xvon by a South African war veteran, Mr. L. Gordon. Roll Call. The following units were represented and answered the roll call: —Auckland Infantry 1, Wellington 1, Canterbury 1. Otago 8, Wellington Mounteds 3, N.Z.R.S. (the Dinks) 19, Field Artillery 8. A.S.C. 1, Divisional Signallers 2, Engineers 1, Machine Gun Corps 3, Medical Corps 1, Samoan Relief 1, S.A. Veterans 4 R.F.C. and R.A.F.I. 1. Present war: Imperial units 1, Nursing Service 2, Infantry units 15, Machine Gunners 5, Artillery 8, Tank and Motorised units 3, A.S.C. and Petrol Column 1, Medical Corps I, Provost Corps 1. R.N.Z.A.F. 4, Railway Op. and Construction Corps 5, Engineers 2, N.Z. Chaplain 1, MARTON BRANCH W.D.F.U. The annual meeting of Ihe Marton branch of the W.D.F.U. a ill b ’ held in the Marlon Jockey Club's rooms on Tuesday, May 1. lit 2.30 p.m. As business of an important nature will be discussed all .numbers are asked to In response to an appeal from the Adniir.-.ilty for woollen garments, the Rangitikei Navy League has forwarded 120 navx blue seamens’ jerseys and 212 pairs of socks to the value of £lOO, purchased direct from the manufacturers. and also complete sets of woollen garments to two Rangitikei sailors who have left for overseas. ST. JOHN AMBI LANCE. All members are advised that a notice regarding parades is now posted on the notice hoard in Broadway. Today (Tuesday) the "Big Shop” is being held in Marton and nu mbers are invited to help the funds. I There will be no parade to-morrow

(Anzac Day) as it is thought that this day is for the Returned Services and Home Servicemen and up to the present no notification of a public panade has been announced. On Saturday next the official brigade opening of Victory Hall takes place. At 5.30 p.m. a brigade tea will be held for all senior members. It is at this time the official speeches and welcome to visiting officers will be made. It is hoped that representatives xvill be present from tne Commandry Wanganui, Palmerston North, Feilding and Taihape Divisions. In the evening all members are invited to attend the function, commencing at 8.30 p.m. Ail members are asked to the evening entertainment. OPENING OF RUGBY SEASON. The Rangitikei Rugby season will open on Saturday, the following being the Senior B and third grade fixtures, all starting at 3 p.m.:—Senior B: Ohingaiti v. Marlon, at Ohingaiti; Rangitahi v. Bulls ate Bulls; Hunterville a bye. Third grade: Hunterville v. Marton, at Hunterville; A.T.C. v. Flock House, at Marto. ;Bulls a bye. VICTORY HALL DANCE. At the grand opening dance at the Victory Hal] on Thursday night Ron March will lead a band of accomplished instrumentalists, including saxophonist, bass viol, two trumpteers, drummers and pianist. The official opening will be performed at 7.30 p.m. by the Mayor, Mr. F. Purnell, and dancing will commence at 8 p.m. An excellent supper xvill be provided by a ladies’ committee.