RETURNED MEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 69, Issue 7, 2 May 1944, Page 6

RETURNED MEN

WELCOME HOME DANCE

GAY EVENING SPENT

The Welcome Home Social and Dance held at the Winter Show Buildings on, Wednesday evening was in all ways an entirely successful turnout, and supplied much fun and merriment for all present, including the latest draft of men back from the islands. The Pipe Band opened the evening with two waltzes, and filled the floor as only the Pipe Band can. The ice broken, the AVaimana Band took over, and from then on, things went with a swing. The floor was in excellent condition, and the hall was beautifully decorated with flags and bunting and greenery. Mr "Taffy" Atkinson had the job of M.C., and handled it as only "Taffy" can, and the. crowd was soon entirely in.spirit with the occasion. After a period of dancing, an interval was called for an official welcome to the boys returned from overseas, who marched in to the hall and took up their positions. His Worship the Mayor was the first, to speak, and he took the opportunity to extend a hearty welcome home to the men, stating at the same time that he avqs glad to see them back safely aftgr more than carrying out their share of the task allotted them. Mr Luxton, acting chairman of the County Council, spoke on behalf of this body, and also the R.S.A. and joined with Mr Barry in extending a welcome to the boys. At the same time he urged the men to join the R.S.A., now their own organisation, and pointed out the benefits and advantages derived from membership, saying that he hoped the new Diggers would unite with the old ones in the R.S.A.

Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., in extending a hearty welcome home to the soldiers commented on how well the boys had done "over there" and how magnificently they had responded to the call. He went on to point out that New Zealand had given more men for her size than any other country. In conclusion, he said that it was up to the people on the Home Front not to lag be-i hind, but to answer the. call readily for more production, and thus do their bit and help out the men still fighting. Padre Wharetini Rangi, and Lieutenant Sargent replied on behalf of the men, Lieut. Sargent speaking in particular on the magnificent work being done by the. nurses in the battle areas, naming as a splendid example Sister Black, who, he said,, was known not only by Whakatane men, but by soldiers from all parts of New Zealand.

"For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" and "Maori Battalion," was then sung and the Pipe Band played a Military Twostep which was entered into heartily by the public. A very enjoyable item was also given, by Miss Isabel Martin, in the form of a tap dance which included the difficult feat of tapping up and down several stairs placed by a table, and this was so popular with the public, that she repeated the J item much to the pleasure of the crowd. Music was' supplied by Miss Nola West. An apology was received from the troop who were to perform some Maori Action Songs for their absence . The novelty dances consisted of two Monte Carlos which were won by Mr Ripley and Miss Laloli and Mr Hawkins and Miss Needham. A very strong ladies committee representing the Red Cross, W.W.S.A Caledonian Society, and Women's Returned Services Association provided an excellent supper which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Those leturned men and women present at. the dance were r.s follows: Sister Black, K. Lyon, P. Moody, F. Dallas, W. E. Gallagher, Paddc. W. Rangi, F. R. Har.sen, R. 0. Martin, R. Oxenham, W. R. Hoskins, W. A. Suckling, H. Ljuvson, M. Atarau. T. W. Delumere, J. A. Baild, S. Wakelin, J. A. Ohaia, 1. Butterworth C. R. Hunt, W. H. HousLou (U.S.N.)? -D S. Mclvcr (U.S.N.), P. M. Thompson (U.S.N), r. Duke (U.S.N.), B. Kinsey [U.S.N), E. A. Bras el (U.S.N.) Several very enjoyable extras were ilayed by Messrs Malpas and Waite, ■vhile dancing continued until a late lour.