SOCIAL GATHERING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 7, 21 September 1942, Page 5

SOCIAL GATHERING

HOME GUARDSMAN FAREWELLED

MEDICAL CORPS MEMBER

Members of the. Whakatane Home Guard Medical Corps gathered last Thursday evening to bid formal farewell to one of their number, Cpl Sam Armstrong who leaves' next Wednesday to join up with the R.N.Z.A.F. Lieut. E. Raiuson presided over a muster of some twenty-five members of the unit while the Adjutant Major G. Otley, and the Headquarters Coy O.C. Capt Littlejohn, with Cpl Musselt of the regular forces were present as guests. The proceedings were marked by that happy air of informality and good fellowship which has always marked the activities of the company off parade and a programme of stump items and yarns went to create an atmosphere which was cordiality itself.

The toast list was as under: The "Loyal Toast,'" Lieut Ramson; "The Army" Capt L. Littlejohn and Major. Otley; "The Navy" Pte C. King-sley-Smith and Pte Wish Winn;

"The Air Force'* Cpl H. Young and Cpl Armstrong; "Past Members" Sgt W. Petty and Mr S. H. Tippet t; "Boys Overseas'' Capt Otley; "The Press" Pte Bigelow and, Pte C. King-sley-Smith.

Proposing tlic health of the guest of the evening, Lieut Ramson said that Cpl Armstrong had been a most efficient member of the Corps since its inception. All members

were very sorry to lose him but I'clt that he was going where he desired to go and would have a greater interest in his wotfk in the Air Force. Unfortunately the Medical Section had lost, all too many of its personnel and as far as he could see would be losing still more in the near future. He wished Sam the best of luck.

Major Otley added his own good wishes and that of the Battalion.

Responding Cpl Armstrong said he had enjoyed his association with the unit and in many ways regretted having to sever his connection. On the other hand he lclt that he should take a more active part, and had taken a line in which lie .was most interested. He hoped to maintain contact, with all the good comrades he had found in the Medical Section. Items during the evening were supplied, by Ptes Phil Dixon, Colin Wallace. EL Dillicar and Mr S. H. Tippet t.