AU REVOIR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 146, 25 August 1941, Page 5

AU REVOIR

MEN ON LEAVE

DISTRICT FAREWELL

GATHERINGS

Numerous district farewell gatherings have been held during the past week, and it is unfortunate that the Farewell Committee had not the no tice to arrange for a Civic Farewell in Whakatane as it has on other occasions. However it is pleasing to note that members travelled to all the functions held in the country centres and the official presentations were made by Mr B. S. Barry, Mayor of Whakatane, who was assisted by Mr S. S. Shapley (deputy-May-or) and Mr A. J. Canning.

At Te Teko last Wednesday the hall was packed the occasion being the farewell to Messrs R. (Bob) Glen, W. M. Dawson and F. lopala. Under Mr Taffe Atkinson's control the programme was a thoroughly enjoyable one. Music was suppliedi by the Gaiety Boj r S' Orchestra and incore numbers were the order of the evening. The hall which was beautifully decorated was a tribute to the local Maoris who carried out tlif scheme in a manner most creditable.

Prior to an enjoyable supper, Mr Barrj r made the presentations on behalf of the FareAvell Committee Avishing the three men good luck and n safe return to New-Zealand. Mr C. Elvers spoke on behalf of the local committee and Mir Shapley for the Returned Soldiers. Mr Charlie Hunja for the district Maoris added his remarks and presented each man Avith fl cheque, then to the delight of ail present, he led off a spirited haka. The final speaker was Mr W. J. Simons avlio on behalf of the Gale-* (lonian Society presented Pte Glen with a tobacco pouch.

Pte Glen briefly responded thanking all present for their interest and

kindness

The Pipe Band which, as a further tribute to Pte Glen (aa 7 1io Avas a member of the original committee) played several dances and later gaA'e a marching display.

Dancing continued till the avoo sma' hours, Avhcn the gathering finall broke up A\ 7 ith the singing of Aukl Lang Syne.

Function at Ruatoki

The main meeting house at Ruatoki was crowded to the doors when the fifth batch of members of the Maori Battalion to leave from that district Averc honoured at a farewell CA-ening. The function took the form of a dance, during which, valedictory speeches were made by prominent residents, the Mayor of Whnkatane and Mr S. S. Shapley, who represented the Returned Soldiers" Association.

The Rev. Wharetine' Rangi acted as chairman and the speakers wen» Messrs T'amarau, D. Hawiki, Kopne (representing the Whakatane tribe). Boynton (representing the Waimana tribe), Major Hauesler, His Worship the Mayor, and Mr Shapley. All spoke feelingly and extended their best wishes tO' the men going overseas. Presentations were made, the Mayor handing each man a gift on behalf of the Borough and County Farewell Committee and Mrs Black presenting gifts from the local people. The function was a most enjoyable one and the high standard nf the Ruatoki hospitality maintained. Amongst the several items rendered were action songs and hakas which earned well merited applause from the large attendance.

AWAKERI FAREWELL On the 19th Auglist a farewell was tendered at Awalteri to the soklicis of the district. The function was one of the most successful held in the local hall for a number of years, a splendid crowd attending to wish the boys well. The Mayor of Whakatane, Mr B. S. Barry, the deputy-Mayor, Mr S S. Shaple3 r , and Mr A. J. Canning, members of the Town and CountryFarewell Committee, attended and presented to each soldier a wallet while each received a money belt with contents from the Awakeri people. Those farewelled were L/Cpl Bob Fowell and Privates Dick Melville, Tui Melville, Jim Fowell, Owen Cruse, J. Blackburn and Craig. Both Mr Barry and Mr Shapley spoke, wishing the boys the best of luck in their great undertaking."" Bob Fowell replied brielty on behalf of his comrades. The two Fowell boys were made a presentation bj r Mr VilVis on behalf of the Western Drain Football Club while Mr Murray made to Dick Melville a similar presentation from the Fdg"cumbe Drnids Lodge.