AWAKERI FAREWELL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 20, 2 November 1943, Page 4

AWAKERI FAREWELL

FIVE MEN HONOURED A dance was held in the Awakeri Hall on Thursday, October 21 when four lads from the district were farewelled and another welcomed home, on furlough. Private C. Rayner who left the district two and a half years ago is spending a short furlough in the district before proceeding on active service again. He was welcomed home by Mr T. Kerr who expressed the pleasure of all present on his, return. The chief regret was that Private Rayner should be returning for such a short period. He was handed an envelope as a slight token of esteem from! the Farewell Committee and the residents of the district. Trooper T. Haeusler and Private Don Claris, Ray Sutton and Ken Raymond, were farewelled by the speaker, each being given a wallet and money belt and contents. To each Mr Kerr conveyed the very best wishes of all present. He. called upon those who stayed at home to sec that the boys received on their return the' favourable treatment that had been promised so frequently. The boys replied, giving their thanks alter which all present rose and sang "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." Private Rayner gave a brief but interesting account of some of his experiences while" he was away. Dancing proceeded to a late hour, music being provided by Messrs Davis, Broadmore and ; Lysaght. The Farewell Committee is very grateful to the ladies who so geneiously provided home-made supper,, Mrs; T. Fowell who played extras, the Red Cross Committee who surrndered, their right to use the hall on that occasion, and all others who assisted so willingly. The toy dog kindly donated by Mrs xV. Martin -was raffled during the evening, the winning ticket be-n ing held by Mr Max Hunt who kindly returned, the dog for auction. Altogether a sum of over £8 was collected for the funds in this way. A bridle was also raffled, this also proving popular and netting a sum of £5 ss. In this case the winning number was held by Mrs M. Claris.