MATATA NEWS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 34, 27 March 1942, Page 4

MATATA NEWS

FAREWELL GATHERING . ! i | FAMILY'S UNIQUE RECORD A unique send off took place in Matata recently when a large number of residents representative of all parts of the district gathered in the King's Theatre to say farewell and wish good luck to a sailor and an airman on leave. The sailor was Telegraphist Trevor Burt and the Aircraftsman Mita Pinker, who are both leaving shortly for overseas. In making a presentation on behalf of the residents, Mr B. Magee mentioned how proud Mr H. Burt must feel as he now had three- sons serving one in each branch: of the services. Sergeant F. A. Burt was with the First Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and had fought in Greece, Crete and Libya. Sergeant Air Gunner Glen Burt was serving in a Bomber Squadron in Scotland, and now Telegraphist Trevor Burt was in the Navy. Airchaftsman Mita Pinker had been a school mate of Telegraphist Burt's at Matata Native School and they were now going overseas to serve their country together. Mita Pinker had shown by his high percentages and place, in his final ailcraft examination that the district had good reason to be proud of him. Mr J>. Patie, a veteran of the last war, wished the lads farewell in a humorous speech, hoping that we would eventually welcome home Admiral Burt and Wing Commander Pinker. Mr Te Huriwaka, a local chief, spoke on behalf of the Maoris slaying that he was proud to have lived Maciri and Pakeha again fighting alongside each other for the right to live in freedom. At the request of Mr F. J. Burt all stood in silence for a moment in memory of the Matata lads who had. alreadv given their lives for their country. He also called for the cooperation of everyone in making the j E.P.S. a live working organisation. Mir Magee' in his, final remarks, thanked the ladies for the wonderful supper they had provided. Mr E. Naumann acted as M.C. and enjoyable music was provided by the Gaiety Boys' Orchestra.