SECOND EDITION ANNUAL REUNION

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 150, 22 June 1934, Page 8

SECOND EDITION ANNUAL REUNION

TAKAPAU RETURNED MEN.

HOLD ENJOYABLE EVENING.

Members of the Takapau branch of the R.S.A. held their annual re-union dinner oh Wednesday evening at the Takapau Hotel. There was a very good attendance in spite of the heavy tain and visitors were present from the Dannevirke, Norsewood and Waipukurau Associations. Mr H. C. Tennant, president, presided and welcomed the visitors. The usual toast list was honoured the various speakers being: Mr A. E. jull, who proposed the toast of the R.S.A., to which the chairman replied; Mr W. G. Hunt proposed the toast of the’ ‘War Relief Association ; “Absent Comrades” was proposed by Mr N. Tilley and suitably honoured; “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr N. M. Paulsen; “Visitors” 1 proposed by Mr Russell Cook and replied to by Mr A. O. Williams and Mr Marcus Smith, presidents of the Waipukurau and Dannevirke Associations.

The roll call showed that the gathering was very representative of the New Zealand units of the Expeditionary forces, as well as of overseas regiments. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr J. Murphy, mine host of the hotel, and Mrs Murphy for the very evident pains they had been to to make the function enjoyable. The secretary, Mr H. H. Oldarshaw, was also the recipient of congratulations for his work in ensuring the success of the evening.

Songs were contributed by Messrs E. G. Collin and Jenkins; and Messrs N. Tilley, F. V. Ward. A. E. Jull and M. Smith gave stories and recitations. Mr Jack Bryce played the accompaniments and led the company in the singing of war-time songs and choruses.

( The hearty singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought the evening to a conclusion.

REUNION AT OTANE

NOTABLY SUCCESSFUL

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual reunion of the local members of the Eeturned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Town Hall last night, there being a large attendance, including visitors from Hastings, Waipawa and Waipukurau.

Mr. Trevena presided, and he was supported by Mr. Bruce, the local representative of the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Among the guests were Mr. A. E. Jull, M,P., and Mr. J. N. Barrie, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay War ( Relief Association.

The pleasure of the evening was enhanced by the presence of an orchestra under the baton of Mr. E. Maher, and social items were contributed by Messrs. De Castro : .(Hastings), C. Woods, Bolt, O'Halloran, Jull, McDougall, Voyce and Sawyer. In proposing the toast of the Returned Soldiers’ Association Mr. Jull stressed the necessity for the soldiers to pull together in their own interests. Promises made in stressful times were liable to be overlooked and co-operation was necessary in their own interests. Another incentive was the social aspect, which should be the dominant spirit in their gatherings.

In replying, Mr. Sawyer apologised for the unavoidable absence of the president of the Waipawa branch (Mr H. Limbrick), Mr. G. Taylor and Mr F. Eagle. He stated that as time went many soldiers were breaking, down as a result of their war services and he looked to them all to work together in the interests of their comrades. In proposing the toast of the Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association and the Patriotic Societies, he paid a fine tribute to the services of the late chairman, Mr. J. Harding, who had willingly given his best services in the interests of the returned men. In replying Mr. Barrie' mentioned that the majority of the workers on the various committees were returned men. During the past year nearly £4OOO had been paid out by way of grants and over £5OOO by way of loans. He said that 261 soldiers had been assisted during May. • - '

Mr. Ashby proposed the toast of the Navy, Army and Air Forces, this being responded to by Mr. Robertson for the Navy, and by Mr. P. E. Pedersen for the Army and Air Force. Mr. Pedersen’s contribution .was especially appreciated. The toast of "Absent Comrades’’

was proposed by Mr. A. E. Black. The chairman apologised for the absence of Mr. C. Laughnan, who was unable to be-present. An excellent supper was served by the committee and the mess stewards were very attentive. A story telling competition was held, which produced some very witty anecdotes of the relators’ experiences, and-altogether the evening was one of the most enjoyable of its kind held in the district. A special word of praise is due to the organisers, and the secretary, Mr J. McDougall.