A GREAT GATHERING.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17713, 17 May 1929, Page 7

A GREAT GATHERING.

RETURNED SOLDIERS CELEBRATE. A SUCCESSFUL SMOKO. It was a large and enthusiastic gathering of members of the Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association that met last evening to constitute one of the most successful functions yet undertaken by the association. A number of apologies for absence were read. t An interesting feature of the evening, the roll-call, revealed the presence of members of several overseas regiments, and in cases veterans of the South African forces. Mr Heywood, in proposing the toast of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, remarked that wars had been in existence since the world began. It brought out the hnest qualities in men and brought them together. The reputation of the Navy spoke for itself and called for little comment. He referred briefly to the wonders of aviation and the great part it had played in the late war.

Captain G. Dittmer, in his response to the toast, paid a tribute to the fine work being done in the territorial military camps of the present day. These boys were the nucleus of the next array, in the event of war, for the training they were receiving left little chance of New Zealand being found unprepared in the future. Were New Zealand to be called upon again, ]IC felt sure, it would uphold the deeds of those gallant boys who had so efficiently upheld the honour of New Zealand. In response to the toast of the. N.Z.E.F'., Mr W. Jenkins said that ihc words N.Z.E.F; recalled many sad memories, which fortunately were tempered with many pleasant experiences. Those members of the N Z E F. who had ieft the shores of the Dominion for the battle-scarred fields of Gallipoli and Flanders had considered it a privilege to serve pndet‘ the New Zealand flag, and had the satisfaction of knowing they had done their duty. . . , , I An enjoyable and entertaining pro- I gramme included Messrs G. Russo, E. ; II Quill R. BlackJC. L. It. Ltlershank, I an d T. R. Jones (songs), and W. H. j Jenkins (’ceiJo soles). , Mr J. T. Battcrsby efficiently filled I ihe roie.oi accompanist. !