ROUSING RECEPTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 133, 8 March 1940, Page 5

ROUSING RECEPTION

ACHILLES' RATING WELCOMED FUNCTION AT TANEATUA (Own Correspondent) A Welcome Home social, promoted and organised by the local Red ■ Cross Society, was staged in honour • of Leading-Seaman T. McGougan of H.M.S. Achilles in the Taneatua -.Hall on Tuesday night. All Tnaea>tua seemed to be at the hall and Hhe number present was ineicased by visitors from surrounding districts. One of the largest crowds :seen at the hall accorded the guest ;a rousing reception. Included in ktlie audience was a retired Torpedogunner, Mr C. C. Parkcs. The early part of the evening -was given to dancing, the music for which was supplied by Miss Godxlafcl and Messrs Withy, Coles and J**yftVardlaw. Interludes were pressed by Mrs J. Larmer, violinist, who was accompanied by Mis J:. ' Peebles. After supper, which was served by the ladies of the Society, Mr J. Moody, who for years has been a friend of the McGougan family, made a very appropriate speech in welcoming Leading-Seaman TvlcGou;gan back to the town where he was born, educated and spent his time before entering the Navy. Mr Moody : said Taneatua was proud that a local boy had participated in such a demonstration of the strength, tenacity and courage of the Iloyal Navy as had,been given at the liiv►er Plate battle. Mr Moody also welcomed Bugler _A. F. Wheeler, of the Royal Marines who serves in the Achilles -and who is tlaying Avith LeadingSeaman McGougan's relative:: Avliile -on leave. In making a presentation of a sub stantial cheque to the guest of honour, Mr Moody said: — "'On behalf of your jiianv -friends present here to-night I have much pleasure in asking you to accept this cheque us a slight recognition of your gallant work and service to New .Zealand and the British Empite. Our wish is, that you may continue to be blessed with good) luck in the future while you carry on with the noble work in the British Navy."

On rising to reply Leading-Sea-man McGougan was greeted with tumultuous applause and it was :some minutes before he was able to speak. He thanked the people of Taneatua for the wonderful reception accorded him. He was sure, he said, that he did not deserve it,, because, after all, lie did only what was expected of him when the ship went into action. Every other member of the crew did the same; it was duty. However, he was naturally very glad that he had had the opportunity of serving in the Achilles in the epic battle off the River Plate and he was pleased to Tie able to re- new friendships in Taneatua. He again expressed thanks for the Welcome Home and the gift. Bugler A. F. Wheeler replied lo the welcome extended to him and •dancing continued.