R.S.A. “NEWS NATTER”

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 November 1950, Page 7

R.S.A. “NEWS NATTER”

BY “THE THREE WALLADS” Greetings, Digs. Having recovered from our reunion held last week (sufficiently recovered to hold a pen at any rate!), we had better get down to business and concentrate on sifting what information on our local doings we have to hand, so here goes. Ex-Navalmen’s Association The last social evening held a few weeks back was such a success that the committee of the Ex-Navalmen's Association has planned another of these popular socials. All members are invited to bring a friend to join in a great night's fun. The place of the "do” is not yet listed for publication (the "Silent Service” again), but keep watching this column and listening to Digger Reports on the air for any further information. If the information is on tap we’ll get it for you! S.A.V. Reunion Early month the Veterans ot the Veldt will foregather to recall once more those moments grim and gay that were part of the South African campaign. Their numbers are not large now, but their spirit is as strong as ever, and on behalf of the readers of this column and all R.S.A. members may I wish you "Best of luck and a good show, chaps.” Good War Record Many families have fine records ot service in the New Zealand Forces overseas, and one of these is the Botton family of Wanganui. During the First World War Mr Jim Botten, the father of the family, was a railway ganger on the line between Baker s Crossing and Wanganui. At 70 years of age he shaved off his beard and enlisted, eventually reaching Trentham, where the authorities discovered that he was too old, with the result that he was discharged. His two sons sailed with the Main Body—Ernest Botten enlisting at Hawera and William Botten (who later died ol wounds) enlisted in Australia. Two other sons, Mr James and Mr Jack Botten, also saw service, and in the last war one joined up with the Auxiliary Police Reserve in case of emergency and the other joined the Home Guard. Land Conference Through the efforts of Mr E. F. Laws, a member of the local executive, and member of our Lands Committee, a special meeting has been arranged for November 23, when the Director of Rehabilitation will be present to discuss the thorny question of land settlement. A full muster of all those interested is requested, so watch the Press for further announcements. Special Meeting A special general meeting of the R.S.A. is scheduled for next Wednesday. The question of a club charter is of vital interest to all, and the president is most anxious that members should be given he opportunity to discuss this far-reaching matter in full. All members are requested to make a special effort to be at the R.S.A. Hall that night. Golf Tournament Saturday, November 25, is “D” Day for the “Battle of Belmont.” More will be published later, but let this be taken as a warning order, and remember that all ex-servicemen are cordially invited to take part in our annual golf tournament. War Graves Commission Brigadier Higginson, o' the War Graves Commission, will be visiting Wanganui on November 24, and a public meeting has been arranged at the City Council Chambers, where the Brigadier will deliver an address on his work and later a most interesting film will be screened. Remembrance Day Next Sunday has been set aside as Remembrance Day. Special services will be held in all the churches, and at 11 a.m. members of the executive will lay a wreath on the Cenotaph in Queen’s Park. The public are cordially invited to. be present at this simple but effective service of remembrance. Well, Digs, that’s the lot for this week, and I'd like to close with our normal weekly wisecracks, but the only variety that has come to my ears of late is that which could hardly appear in print! So until next week. Cheerio, Digs.