WELCOME HOME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 28, 30 November 1945, Page 8

WELCOME HOME

, GAY AWAKERI DANCE LOCAL BOYS RETURN The Awakeri Welcome Home Committee liad a busy night on Satur-< day last ? when they entertained a large district representation at one of their very popular Welcome Home Dances.. The guesls of the occasion were Sgt. G. Dodunski Pte. R. Newdick and L.A.C. C. Haultain being members of three very well known Awakeri families. Music for dancing which included a good variety of old-time and modern numbers was supplied by the Premier Dance Band while Mr C. Mac Donald capably officiated as M.C. After supper had been served. Mr D. Butler, on behalf of those pre-; sent and the district as a whole f greeted the returned boys who were accorded musical honours and received a good round of applause. Mr Butler made mention of the fact that Sgt. Dodunski was the winner of a Military Medal and Awakeri was very proud of the distinction this brought the while it was well known locally that Pte. Newdick liad taken part in some of? the biggest spearheads (luring the war. Good fortune had certainly attended these boys that they were able to come through safely. Mr Butler then presented the guests with an envelope containing a a small token of appreciation from the settlers and their friends. Sgt. Newdick responded on behalf of the three, while Pte. Newdick and L.A.C. Haultain also replied briefly. Sgt. Dodunski thanked the ladies in the district for their untiring .work in preparing regularly parcels for the boys overseas which were received in good condition, and had been greatly appreciated. It was a great pleasure for them to be welcomed home at such a friendly and happy gathering. Cpl. Mcintosh and Miss J. Poison were winners of the last heat of the £6 Monte Carlo the final of 9 which will be "danced off" in the Awakeri Hall on December -'2.