CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3254, 19 April 1943, Page 4

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATIONS MADE TWO SOLDIERS HONOURED FUNCTION FRIDAY NIGHT Two Paeroa boys home on leave from the Armed Forces were tendered a civic farewell in the Borough Chambers on Friday evening by a representative gathering of citizens presided over by the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards. , The guests of honour were Lance-Corporal J. G. Davies and Trooper M. L. Chamberlin. The Mayor, in making the usual presentation of a money belt together with a* letter expressing the goodwill of the residents of Paeroa, said that the guests of honour were yet another two boys from Paeroa who would shortly be taking their place with the lads from New Zealand who were doing so marvellously well overseas. Both the boys present were well known in Paeroa as they had spent alii their boyhood in the district. Their parents were also well known residents of the district, highly respected by all. Paeroa Proud of Its Boys

Paeroasis very,proud of these boys and the men who have gone before them, said the Mayor, adding that all knew they would uphold the tradition already established by soldiers from New Zealand.

Continuing, the Mayor said that while all knew that the men were not going on a picnic and would have many hard times to face, there also would be bright sptfts which he advised them to make the most of. The task before them would require pluck and determination, but personally he knew the guests of honour* were well able‘to carry out the job they were being asked to do in the same manner as the boys who are already in the battle area.

In wishing the boys Godspeed, the Mayor expressed the hope that it would not be long before he was attending a function £o welcome them back to Paeroa with the job they had been called to do properly done. He asked each man to convey to every Paeroa soldier, sailor or airman he met overseas the best wishes from the citizens of Paeroa.

Mr C. C. Webb endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, saying that he too had known both the guests of honour ever since he, had been in Paeroa and he knew them to be “jolly good chaps.” He wished them the best of luck and a safe return to New Zealand. Mr C. N. O’Neill said that the Mayor had expressed the sentiments of all better than anyone else could have done. He said he had known both men since they had been small and he knew them to be fine boys. He referred to the outstanding work done by the New Zealand Division in North Africa, saying that where ever it had been sent to it had covered itself with honour,. proving itself just a little better than the enemy. It was just this ability which would result in the Empire winning this war. “I am sure these boys will be well to the fore in any task which is allotted to the New Zealand Division.” Best Wishes From School Mr F. Sparks, in endorsing the remarks of the previous speakers, spoke personally of both boys who, he said, he knew would prove a credit to Paeroa. He wished both Godspeed, adding that he hoped it would not be long before they were being welcomed home again in the best of health.

Mr A. E. Day, speaKing on 'behalf of the staff and pupils of the Paeroa District High School, wished both boys Godspeed and a safe return.

Mr W. Chamberlain thanked the previous speakers for the kind remarks pasesd about his' son and Mrs Chamberlain and himself and added his best wishes for a safe return.

Both the guests of honour expressed their appreciation of the presentation and the kind remarks passed by the speakers. The function closed with the singing of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” and three rousing cheers.