SOLDIER HONOURED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3246, 31 March 1943, Page 5

SOLDIER HONOURED

FAREWELL AT WHAREPOA PRESENTATION TO PTE. E. BAX When Private Ernest Bax was tendered a public farewell on Friday evening last in the Wharepoa Hall there was a large attendance of relatives and friends from both Wharepoa and surrounding districts. Prixate Bax, who is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. Bax, of Wharepoa, well-known and highly respected residents of the district, and was born and educated at Wharepoa and since leaving school has followed the , occupation of farming there. Private Bax, who is of a very bright and happy disposition, was always very popular with everyone and will be missed among the younger folks. Before entering camp he was a keen footballer and played for Hikutaia and Wharepoa on numerous occas-

ions .' Bright music was provided by the New Collegians Orchestra, with an extra by Mr E. Smith. Mr A. Mc•Collum carried out the duties of M.C. in a capable manenr. - After a dainty supper had been served Mr McCollum, on behalf of the residents of Wharepoa, presented the jguest of honour with a money-belt and said the time had come to ’say good-bve to, as he put it, our soldier boy,” who had been born and educated in Wharepoa, as had 'his parents before him, and be felt quite sure their gift carried with it all their best and heartfelt wishes. Mr McCollum then wished Private Bax the best of luck, Godspeed and a ■safe return. Mr McCollum also ten- ' dered apologies for their absence from Mr G. Avery, chairman of the • Hikutaia Farewell Committee and from Mr A. Duncan. Private Bax thanked everyone for the gift and said he would remember the evening for years. The presentation was brought to a close with cheers and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow, “Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Good-bye,” “Till the Lights of London Shine Again,” “Silver Lining,” and “It’s a Long, Long Trail.” Among those present were: —Mrs H. Bax wore midnight blue and black French crepe; Mesdames A. ■McCollum, G. Innis, E. Morrison (Hikutaia), G. Bax, B. Winder, Brunton, snr., W. Brunton, Brown, G. Henwood, Li A. Bax, Baird, H. Waacker, N. Harper (Hikutaia), G. Flavell (Hikutaia), 'Cedric Murdock (Hikutaia), B. Kirby (Thames), A. Duncan (Hikutaia), H. Spinks (Hikutaia), ‘ Cox, W. O’Hara, Burnett (Hikutaia). Misses P. Hopping (Hikutaia), J. Smith (Hikutaia), R. O’Hara, M. Winder (Paeroa), N. McCollum, H. Innis, C. Winder, J. Morrison, B. McNeil, L. Kejson, A. Kelson.