EXSERVICEMEN

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21358, 28 February 1941, Page 7

EXSERVICEMEN

ACTIVITIES IN WAIKATO RETURNED SOLDIERS’ NOTES . MAJOR FOSTER HOME AGAIN (By “Dink”) 'The Returned Soldiers’ annual bowling tournament is once again in the offing and is to be held on March 5. Those desirous of taking part are requested to get in touch with Mr V. Crowhurst. * * * * Mr H. C. M. Norris will be pleased to hear from ex-diggers who are willing to take a turn at visiting in the Waikato Hospital. This duty is a very necessary one and to one who has never previously undertaken the task will prove a pleasant one, as there are many small matters that can be attended to for our less fortunate comrades. * * * * The membership of our Waikato association is still on the increase. We have now well over the 600 mark. * it i? Time marches on and we were privileged to attend a welcome home from the present war to Major W. J. Foster by the Ngaruawahia branch of the R.S.A. The function took the form of a social and dance and was attended by several members of the executive of the Waikato R.S.A. Mr Ken Wright, president of the Ngaruawahia association, extended a very sincere welcome to the guests of honour. Mr R. P. Knight and Mr Gaukrodger, members of the executive, also expressed their delight in being able to welcome home Mr Foster. Colonel Paterson and Mr H. C. M. Norris, members of the executive of the Waikato R.S.A., also spoke on behalf of the parent body. Major Foster in reply said that he was pleased to be home once again among old friends, and had many interesting facts to tell the old diggers. He said that about 70 men of the New Zealand Cavalry have been lent and are a special desert patrol under Major Bagnell, of the Imperial Forces, who has been stationed for very many years in the desert and is extremely well acquainted with it. There are two officers with the patrol, one of whom is Lieutenant Sutherland, who was recently decorated. A portion of this patrol go out in trucks into the desert for a fortnight and sometimes longer at a time, attacking any small forces of Italians whom they run up against. They have been very well led and up till recently have had practically no casualties despite the fact that they have had many very daring successes. * * * * The Ngaruawahia Returned Soldiers’ Association is to be congratulated on the acquisition of such a line hall and club room.' The welcome to Major Foster was the first occasion on which “Dink” visited the hall, and after seeing the club room and other amenities the reason for the solidity and progressiveness of the Ngaruawahia branch is quite apparent.