With the object of banding together for mutual benefit there turned soldiers of the district, the Mayor of Hawthorn (Cr. P. J. Russell), assisted by an energetic committee, has inaugurated a scheme to form a social club comprising these men, in order that they might meet together and enjoy themselves in various ways. It is also intended to hold a series of smoke night gatherings at regular intervals, and the first of these was given by the Mayor on Wednesday evening last in the Hawthorn town hall. Between 60 and 70 returned soldiers were present, including Sergeant McKenzie and Warrant-Officer Davies (president and secretary respectively of the Returned Soldiers' Association), and a most enjoyable time was spent by all. The proposal regarding a club was enthusiastically received by the men, and its success is practically assured. A meeting is to be held in the town hall on the 28th inst. to further consider the project. After the toast of the King had been loyally honored, Lieutenant Townsend proposed the toast of "Our Fallen Comrades," which was drunk in silence.
The Mayor, in explaining the object of the gathering, said that a few returned soldiers had met together some time ago, when it was suggested that a club should be formed, in which returned men could meet together and have a pleasant time. This club would be purely social, and not antagonistic in any way to the Returned Soldiers' Association in Melbourne. The men should stand in line in industrial life, as they stood together in the line of battle, and if any comrade fell out through stress of circumstances, the members would help to bring him back into line again. "You men who have done so much for your King and Country," continued the speaker, "deserve the very best treatment that can be given you, and I will do all in my power to secure it for you." At a meeting of the War Council recently a resolution was agreed to that the Federal and State Governments be asked to legislate so that preference should be given to returned soldiers in all Government and municipal departments. (Cheers.) This was only right. He was glad to see so many soldiers present, and hoped many more such evenings would be spent.
Cr. Lord, in proposing the toast of "Success to the Returned Soldiers' Association," coupled with the names of Sergeant McKenzie and Warrant-Officer Davies, said the association was going to be a powerful body, and was making itself felt throughout Australia, as was evidenced by the recent elections. In fact, looking at the number of returned men present, he had visions of a reorganised municipal council. (Laughter.) The objects of the association must appeal to all: to help members and their dependants, as well as the dependents of fallen comrades. Great promises had been made to these men, and it was regrettable that such an association was necessary to see that these promises were carried out.
Sergeant McKenzie, in responding, said the association was working on a clear-cut issue: to see that dependents of fallen comrades, men returned, and men still fighting, got what was promised them, and they were prepared to go to any lengths to secure their rights. Every soldier was wanted as a member, so that, no matter what their religion or politics, they might present a united front. The congress at Brisbane, representing 20,000 returned soldiers, had decided to demand free entry into all Government and municipal departments. (Applause.) He concluded by urging the men to stick together loyally, as they had done at the front.
Warrant-Officer Davies also responded with a most interesting speech.
The health of the Chairman was drunk enthusiastically, the Mayor suitably responding.
During the evening a first-class programme, arranged by Mr. G. de S. Marshall, conductor of the Catholic Church Choir, to whom a vote of thanks was accorded, was contributed as follows, the various items being well received:-National Airs, Choir; Song, " Death of Nelson," Mr. Duggan ; Song, " The Long Trail, Miss Elsa Dwyer; Violin Solo, ''II Trovatore;" Mr. J. Nunn; Musical Sketch, Mr. Ritter; Comical Sketch, Misses Dixon and F. St. Ledger; Song, " Will o' the 'Wisp," Mr. Mann; Sofig, "Mother Machree," Sergeant Preston. The singing of the National Anthem concluded a very pleasant evening.
