WELCOME HOME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 74, 22 May 1945, Page 7

WELCOME HOME

OTAKIRI FUNCTION

SKMCK.ANT A. SMITH

A very happy evening took place recently when residents and friends turned ouv in full force to welcome back Sergeant A. Smith who has been overseas for over four years. Music for dancing was supplied by tlie Premier Band, and Mr Lord was in charge of the varied programme. The popularity of the guest of honour and his family was in evi-i dence throughout the evening and was shown by the warmth of the welcome given him by his many old and new friends. After the supper interlude Mr W. Murray, as Chairman of the Otakiri Patriotic Committee speaking on behalf of the residents of the district voiced the opinion of all 111 saying how happj r they were to welcome Sgt. Smith home. He referred to his long service overseas and made happy reference to his return to his wife and family. He spoke also of Mrs Smith's courage throughout the years this bringing prolonged applause. At this stage Mrs Tic'kner presented a beautiful bouquet to Mrs Smith. Mrs Armstrong felt the privilege 011 behalf of the personnel of the Social Committee of doing honour to Mrs Smith. During the course of her very fitting remarks she expresed the. admiration of all for the courage and loyalty of their guest as a wife and citizen and in presenting a beautiful wall mirror her wish was that it would always reflect back to Mr Smith the sincere thanks and admiration of her fellow workers. To Sgt. Smith j on behalf -of the ladies of the district Mrs Arm--9 .strong presented a warm pullover expressing their thanks for his service and their appreciation of the many sacrifices he had made in order to render that service. She wished him a speedy readjustment to his place in his home and his place as a civilian in the community. Mr L. Cristall acting-chairman ol the Farewell and Welcome Home Committee after endorsing the • remarks of previous speakers, made the district presentation to Sgt. Smith. (A further substantial cash presentation is made to all the district's overseas servicemen on their official discharge). On rising to reply Sgt. Smith was. greeted with musical honours and f loud cheers. He voiced sincere thanks to all for the wonderful welcome and said that in honouring „ his wife they had added to the happiness of the welcome. He also thanked the ladies for the work of sending Patriotic parcels, and told of the appreciation of these by his fellow service men. The winners of the evenings competitions were: Iced ca'ke jointly won by H. Revell and P. Gould.; Kathleen Leslie. Dancing continued till 1 a.m. when Auld Lang Syne brought a happj' welcome home dance to a close.