REUNION SUPPER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 37, 5 January 1945, Page 5

REUNION SUPPER

LOCAL BOYS IN THE PACIFIC

GATHERING ON GUADALCANAL

We. have received the following article dealing with a reunion of men on service in the Pacific which was held on historic Guadalcanal inthe Solomons from L.A.C. L .G. Carey, of Whakatane who is now on leave. We have, the greatest pleasure in, publishing it. as it is the first of its kind we have received from the immediate war theatre, , though we have printed several ao counts of similar gatherings that have taken place in the Middle East, The idea was conceived and promoted by the Y.M.C.A., this fineorganisation that cannot be too highly praised for its; work in the forward areas. To ensure the fellowship and friendly rivalry amongst men, challenges for various games and sports were accepted by the Y.M.C.A. between tne provinces. Several suppers were carried out with success "Auckland," "Canterbury "Otago" and it was high time the Bay of Plenty was featured„ A meeting of all the r>oys was called by Fred Hollis (Whakatane) and a committee, of four selected. After various the commit-, tee arranged date, tinje and place, and details of the supper, which for dehydrated reasons, would not be too much to talk about. 25th of October was the date the time was naturally after the open air picture show, and the place; was a small room kindly set aside by the Y.M.C.A. 'Ghow.,' or supper, was to consist of fried cheese on bread,, peaches and cream and oysters, the latter two to our sorrow, we were unable to jack up. The Y.M.C.A. provided the tea and soft drinks. The great night arrived and a Surprisingly large gathering came to light. Many old acquaintances met and yarned. Everything went witb a swing. Sgt Ray Ferry, of Whar katane was requested to take the position of. chairman, and before the evening was out he proved most helpful and capable. Supper was served and during the gorging thereof the chairman as'ked each person, present to rise in turn give Ms name and the place he was from. During this process, on the. nam of certain towns mentioned, m y a howl and jibe was flung at the luckless fellow, and many a goodnatured retort was made m return. Whakatane seemed in great strength. Various toasts were called ami hon cured, but alack, our strongest available, was softprinks The evening was wound up by tne chairman asMng lor various dec» ions on the future, activities of club A pingpong team was formefl, a .picnic mentioned and discussed, and a time an'd place set for a group photograph. The evening ended with "Auld Lang Sync" and everyone 1 retired in high spirits, having enjoyed good companionship ami a good evening. The following day, during the dinner hour ? everyone was present at the place of our choice, for the photograph. With a jungle, setting and the. blazing sun striking off the coral, many a grin, or frown will probably be recorded for future reference. The names of the lads present were, as follows:—Committee: Ray Perry (Whakatane) president; Fred Hollis (Whakatane) vice-president; R. S. Kingsland (Rotorua); S. W. A. Ereatraia (Rotorua); E. H. Gate (Tauranga); L. G. Carey (Whakatane); G. Hartley (Whakatane); B. Woolliams (Whakatane); G. J. S\uith (Whakatane); T. R. Henderson (Whakatane); S. Jaram (Whalca-r tane); Y. Young (Whakatane); C. Gee (Whakatane); R. Hansen (Whakatane); Goodwin (Whakatane); L. Knowles (Whakatane); Sgt Horwart! (Whakatane); B. Forsyth (Ohope), N W Redgate (Ohope); McNaugh- • ton (Tauranga); H. Pemberton (Tauranga); Ben Lodge (Tauranga): Phillips (Tauranga); P/O K irk (Tauranga); S. Neilson (Tauranga); C. Oliver (Tauranga); B. Streilf ( Ta "- _ : ranga); D. A. Foster (Rotorua); i CraTg (Rotorua); F. ,Fisher (Opotiki); R. D. Black (Opdtiki); S. Fleming (Opotiki); F. Bennett i (Awaiti); H. Bennett (Awaiti); E. 0. Daley (Waihau).