WAIMANA'S GESTURE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 92, 23 July 1943, Page 5

WAIMANA'S GESTURE

returned men entertained complimentary dinner AND SOCTAL Waimana's traditional hospitality and well known community spirit, excelled last Wednesday evening when the men on leave from the Middle East, together with all others repatriated since the war commenced were royally entertained at a sumptuous dinner and complimentary social in the local hall, at which they were the guests of honour. The occasion saw one of the finest rallies of residents seen in Wai— 111:111 a in recent years and the repast, which would have done credit to a similar gathering, anywhere was a. glowing tribute to the ladies of the district. Waimana lias certainly set a standard which will be hard to beat. The hall which was neatly decorated with greenery and Hags of the Allied nations presented a pleasing background for the splendid repast Un der which the four long tables groaned. The main table seated the chairman, Mr R. Ward law, the toast master, Mr J. L. Burnett, and other members of the committee who mingled with the guests of the evening. "Our Guests J" In proposing .the toast to the men on leave and other repatriated men, Mr Burnett drew attention to those less fortunate who w T ere still in hospital. We can, he said, hope for their happy and speedy return. To the men present,, he extended a hearty and most cordial welcome, assuring them that during their, long absence, their follk in Waimana had watched closely their progress from day to day in North Africa. They had been matched with ax* army justly considered the finest fighting force in the world, and they had beaten it. It was a very proud and wonderful achievement and ha trusted they would all enjoy their well-earned rest.

Responding Tpr. Ted Backhouse neatly expressed the thanks and ap* preciation of the guests. The dinner had been a great surprise to then* all and therefore doubly appreciated. He conveyed to the gathering the good wishes of the men still in the Middle East and expressed the hope that they too would soon ba home again. Other Toasts The toast to the ''Armed Forces" was in the capable hands of M.r Norman Reid Avho coupled with it "The Mercantile Marine." He dealt comprehensively with. his subject with particular emphasis on those "unsung heroes" of the merchant service,, who had kept the armies of demo* cracy fed and supplied.

Responding Mr Cecil White skct* ched briefly the progress of the Avar since 1940 when the Empire stood alone, to the present day, when with, her Allies she assumed the initiative. He mentioned the fine spirit which animated the people ol" England when they were prepared to» defend their homes with shot guns, spears and home-made bomb's, and claimed that it was because of their spirit of justice and freedom which was broad-based on the spirit of Christianity. -

Other toasts were "Parents of the boys of the 2nd N.Z.E.F." Mr Bob Ward law and Mr R. Proft'itt: '"The Maori Battalion" Mr G. Hewitt and Pte Claude Onekawa; "Men of the Ist N.Z.E.F." Mr P. Woolfield and Mr G. Curham; "The Ladies" Mr Keith Bell and * Mrs Wykle; "The Artists" Mr J. Mitchell and Mr E» Armstrong; ami "The Press" Mr Fleming and Mr C. Kingsley-Smith.

Popular items given during tho evening were supplied by M.r W. Sharkey of Wliakatane, who sang. "The Hose of Tralee," "Requiem." "Clothes Props" and by Mrs Ernest Armstrong who provided bright elc~ cutionary interludes in her Tvellknown and polished way.