A SAFE RETURN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 233, 4 November 1940, Page 5

A SAFE RETURN

' FAREWELL TO VOLUNTEERS GATHERING LAST FRIDAY The Borough Council Chambers were packed last Friday afternoon by relatives and wellwishers of those men who com,prise the latest group from this district to leave for service overseas. The number on this occasion included Nurse Black a well known and popular resident, who served her probationershiji~ in the Whakatane Hospital and who is the first nurse to leave from this centre. Mr B. S. Barry, t!?e Mayor, rt<ferred to the fact that though the number to be farewelled was small, it was nevertheless the most representative the town had experienced. Besides a member of the nursing division, the Air Force was represented, the army, and the Maori Battalion. Once again they were all proud to be able to say good-bye) to yet another batch of citizens Avho were leaving to light in-the war for He wished them Godspeed and a safe aric!" Speaking for country residents, Mr Les Lux ton apologised for the absence of the chairman, Mr Burnett, and added his good wishes and message of good luck. Rev. Wharetini Rangi spoke on behalf of the Maori race, whom he said were lighting shoulder to shoulder with the Pakehas in th,3|s great struggle against brute force. Mr F. W. K. Raymond spoke as president of the local R.S.A. congratulated Miss Black and claimed that he could speak with authority on the splendid work the sisters had performed during the last war. He reminded the men who were going away that the old soldiers of the past stood behind them to a man, and would watch their interests closely in their absence. Presentations were then made by tlie Mayor to Sister Black, SergeantMajor D. Wilson, Pte R. N. Rangi, and Sergeant Wallace (Air Force). A special presentation to Sister Black was from the trained nurses' of the Whakatane Hospital. Each of the recipients responded in turn expressing appreciation and pleasure at being so honoured. On the call of Mr Barry cheers were' given after whteh all present partook of afternoon tea which was served by members of a very capable ladies committee.