HOME GUARD SMOKO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 60, 30 July 1947, Page 5

HOME GUARD SMOKO

' TANEATUA REUNION OLD FRIENDSHIPS REVIVED The comradeship which grew out of Home Guard days was revived on Friday night when the Taneatua Home Guard Company held its second annual reunion. The function, which was a great success, was in the form of a smoke concert and was attended by about 50 ex-members and friends. Mr J. Shaw was in the chair. At a meeting held prior to the commencement of the evening the following officials were elected for the coming year:— President, Mr F. Peebles; committee, Messrs. G. Moore, L. Green, L. Richardson, G. Fogarty, Ken Tebbutt and B. Souter.

A lengthy toast list was honoured, commencing with the Loyal Toast. In proposing a toast to the former 0.C., Capt. A. C. Schmidt, Mr Hamilton stated that it was very pleasing to see their old friend with them once more. Mr Schmidt had journeyed from Papakura to be present. The speaker mentioned his delight when he received a telegram from Mr Schmidt saying that he would be “on parade.” He went on to praise the grounding and example the company had received from their first O.C.

Replying to the toast Mr Schmidt declared that he had been flattered. He mentioned the difficulties which had been overcome with help of all present and some who were not present. -He thanked officers, N.C.O.’s "and the men whose efforts had made the success of the company what it was.

Proposing a toast to the Home Guard and Allied Units Rev. Rangi, first Maori Padre to go overseas in the war, said that it had been a great comfort to those overseas to know that at home the Home Guard, E.P.S. etc. were prepared to defend their wives and children. He touched on the reception the units had tendered when the overseas men had returned home and hoped they would carry on with their good work. The comradeship which had grown out of • Home Guard days could become a great factor in the national life of New Zealand.

Messrs. R. McGougan (H.G.) and R. Ricketts (E.P.S.) replied. Lord Montgomery’s statement that New Zealand had not asked for her division to be returned when faced with the threat of a - Japanese invasion were quoted by Mr H. Coch-rane-Alexander iri toasting the returned servicemen.

The toast was replied to by Messrs A. F. Cradwick (Army), I. Shaw (Navy) and J. W. Semmens • (Air Force). Mr Santon replied on behalf of the nursing services. A more sober note in the proceedings was struck when Mr T. A. Gee proposed the toast “Absent Friends and Comrades.” At all functions of this kind there were always some missing. The fallen, those in hospital and the others who just couldn’t get along were all remembered. In proposing a toast to visitors and artists Mr Peebles extended a welcome to all outsiders. Next year he hoped to see all those present with as many friends as they cared to bring. Messrs. J. Marshall and Hopgood replied. Mr J. Goodhew proposed a toast to The Press and Mr A. Buchanan replied. The evening concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” During the course of the evening items were given as under:— Messrs. Reg Murphy (piano), T. Garlick (poem), J. Shaw (song), H. Cochrane-Alexander (song).