FAREWELL DANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 69, 24 June 1942, Page 4

FAREWELL DANCE

FUNCTION AT AWAKERI A dance was held recently in the Awakeri. Hall as a farewell to Stoker John Bunj r an who has completed his training and is about to proceed on active service with His Majesty's Navy. > The function was a particularly successful one there being an excellent crowd present who appeared to revel in the programme provided by * the Rhythm Aces. A' pleasing feature Avas the presence among the patrons of all three services. Mr Coll Macdonald, as usual, proved a very efficient M.C. The speaker for the evening was' 5 Mr Carling. In a very fitting speech he congratulated Stoker Bunyan upon the courage which prompted him to join the navy, wished him the very best of luck in that service and a safe return to his country. A presentation of a money belt and contents was. then made to Stoker yon who replied briefty. Among the guests was Lcs. Young recently returned the Middle East for service in Zealand. ■ On behalf of the Awakeri Fare— jj well Committee and district Mr Carling welcomed Q.M.S. Young home and made to him a presentation . After returning thanks and expressing his delight at being home again, Q.M.S. Young told his audience that the New Zealand troops were now serving in very pleasant surroundings w-here he was hopeful that they might not have further active service. To the relatives of prisoners of war he expressed his conviction that their men were being as well cared for as possible under the conditions. To those who had lost friends and relations he offered his sympathy. The only con- * solation they had was that their boys had done their best, and had won the respect even of their enemies. Q.M.S. Young heartened Patrio- • tic workers by saying that the efforts of the latter were greatly appreciated by the men. His experience was that parcels sent overseas were arriving regularly and in good condition. All in all the speaker's brief speech struck a responsive chord and both he and Stoker Bunyan were given a great ovation by those present.