WIND-UP BALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 84, 10 June 1946, Page 3

WIND-UP BALL

OTAKIRI WELCOME HOME COMMITTEE 1 A crowd which attained unprecedented proportions packed the Otakiri Hall on the evening of the King’s Birthday when the wind-up ball sponsored by the Otakiri Farewell and Welcome Home Committee took place. Some twenty-five returned men were present as guests of the 'committee, and the evening supplied a notable event in the social calendar. To the increasingly popular modern style music of Freddie Burt’s Orchestra, couples needed no encouragement from Mr O. Lord, Master of Ceremonies, to take the floor, which was in perfect condition, and the varied programme of modern and old-time dances suited all tastes. The skilful touch of members of the committee was exemplified in the artistic autumn tinted decorations which lent to the interior of the hall a friendly atmosphere; the lilt and gaiety which was ever apparent welled from the many couples enjoying themselves to the utmost. The supper, which was on a grand scale was delightful and congratulations must be extended to those responsible for its preparation and serving. “Our Thanks Are Extended” Halfway through the evening, a short interval was called, during which Mr Murray, Chairman of the Patriotic Committee, and Mr Dunning, Chairman of the Otakiri Welcome Home Committee, addressed the gathering. In a few brief words the former expressed the feelings of everyone present, and those residents of the district who Were unable to attend, when he extended his thanks and appreciation to the returned men for the task which had been set them, and which they had carried through to success. His words were carried in the same vein to the district Welcome Home Committee, which had performed a service over the past years of war which would never be forgotten by the many men who had felt the benefit of its activities. Invaluable Services

Mr R. Dunning outlined the committee’s efforts during the past five years, and stated that through the generous . response of residents to the many appeals, each individual man who had gone forth from the district in the service of his country, had been enabled to receive the sum of £l9 from committee funds on his return. He also extended his congratulations and sincere thanks to Mrs Tickner who had fulfilled the difficult job of secretary in a very efficient manner, and to Mr O. Lord, whose services as M.C. for the many dances held under the auspices of the Welcome Home Committee had proved invaluable. The work of the whole committee, and of these two members in particular, was very much appreciatde. Homeservicemen Included Prior to the musical honours which were accorded in no uncertain manner, he presented each of the men present with an envelope containing a cheque. The Homeservicemen also were not forgotten, and each one who had entered camp prepared, to serve overseas, had the need arisen was the recipient of a cheque to the value of £5. Replying on behalf of the ex-ser-vice personnel, Messrs. A. Smith and Geo. Murray extended their warmest thanks to the committee and to the residents of the district for the many kind offices performed during the difficult years of the war, and for the welcome each and every man had received on his return.

Dancing continued and concluded later with the National Anthem, the same happy note, struck at the commencement, being maintained right through, till the closing chords of the last waltz brought the evening, significant in many aspects, to a close. .