AU REVOIR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 68, 29 September 1939, Page 5

AU REVOIR

excellent evening came with the Edgecumbe National Anthem —"If I was a Marrying Girl'' led by Jack Stewart.

OTHER VOLUNTEERS A smoke concert at the Whakatane Paper Mills to farewell Mr J. Lee who has been called up proved a most successful evening. Mr Lee, who is electrical engineer at thu works, served in the Great War and has been on the reserve. Messrs L. R. Preston and W. Sargent, two other popular men, were cnterta'ned at the home of Mr H. J. E. Searle King Street, and there were a number of other happy functions in different parts of the district for volunteers.

FAREWELLS TO SOLDIERS

FUNCTION AT EDGECUMBE

There was never a dull moment at a smoke concert held in the Green Parrot Hall, Edgecumbe, 011 Tuesday night when popular Jack Stewart Was i'areAVelled before he lc'ft to win the war, of which the opening battle was to start next day with the invasion of Ngaruawahia. Excellent speeches stories and songs made the evening pass very and though libellous statements were hurled round in profusion there was never a barb to the wit, and the victims took things in t;he best of part. There were several other volunteers present besides the guest of honour, though they were not lucky enough to be in, the first details for camp. Hopes for the best of luck Avere expressed to all. Mr Con Sainty presided and he first called on Mr F. J. Reynolds to give the toast of the earners. Mr Reynolds wished Jack au revott and a safe return. Transport played 1 an important part in production and Jack as O.C. bobby calves had dona good work. Mr Wickham thanked Mr Reynolds for this toast. Mr Frank Gartshore gave the toast of the ladies who were sure to look after the boys and keep them supplied with socks and Mr J. Graham, who said he was the most ladylike person present, was grateful for Mr Gartshore's good wishes. PRESENTATION. The young men would certainly uphold the traditions of New Zealand said Mr A. Hayter who toasted the volunteers and Mr W .A. McCracken also expressed his confidence in them. Jack would do a man's job overseas he said, as he handed the guest a fountain pen from his football friends. He hoped he would use this to let Edgecumbe know how lid was getting on. Mr Reynolds, endorsing the remarks, spoke oif his impressions of the coronation review. They had been magnificent spectaclss and filled one with pride, and he was confident that Jack Stewart wvuld worthily uphold the traditions that inspired the services. Speakers who said "au rcvoir" included Messrs Gartshore, Jenkins, Johnston, Glen and Savage. Mr B. Robins proposed lhe health of the Edgecumbe Football Club. Jack had been a sport on the field and he would find those lessons useful in wartime. GUEST'S SPEECH. He had been proud to be associated with the Edgecumbe fellows said Jack, and he was sure that they would all be associated together on the field of battle. Everyone hated the thought of war and no one had any illusions, but they were all proud to be members of the Empire. They knew she had been forced into the war, and they had no other course but to Ifollow her. They were not going to a picnic but the? quicker they jumped into the job the quicker it would be over. He urged . all young fellows to roll up and save the Government the embarrassment of enforcing conscription. Mr V. G. Moore gav.e the toast of the Press which had played an important part in extolling the deeds of their friend Jack Stewart, wellknown as "The Killer." Mr Moore's remarks were frequently interrupted by good humoured banter ifirom the upper table, but he carried on and made his points in amusing style. Mr D. McD. Vincent responded, wishing Jack the very best of luck. The toast of the Returned Men was responded to by Mr Norman Carter. He had been interested in Mr Savage's remarks that the association was the most exclusive club in, the world. He hoped all young fellows would qualify and join it. R.S.A. WORK. Mr Sfwasje said thei fallows Avere born to become club members. The-R.S.A. with its canteens Avas determined to look after the men in camp < and funds avoulcl be devoted to their interests on their return. There would be no ilbrtunes made by persons out of the troops this time. Mr Dick McDonald also spoke, and AA'ished Jack all good fortune. During the eA'ening songs AA'ere given by Mr Kori Carter, and by Mr Jenkins, the accompanist. Mr Roycroft gaA'e accordion solos, Mr JGraham told stories, Avhich Mr Jenkins capped AvheneA T er possible, and Mr Moore read two elc-ver poems deal ing Avith Jack Stewart and Hovi Carter, but the highlight of the (Continued foot preA'ious column)