NGATEA FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3254, 19 April 1943, Page 8

NGATEA FAREWELL

TPR. MAHONEY HONOURED PRESENTATION MADE FUNCTION WEDNESDAY NIGHT Trooper Des. Mahoney of the New Zealand Army Tank Corps, was the guest of honour at a social evening held in the Ngatea Public Hall on evening last.

Mr J. W. Neate who was M.C., said that the function had/ been arranged by the Ngatea Soldiers’ Farewell ■Committee to bid Godspeed to one who had virtually grown up in the district.

He deplored the fact that so many of the people could still sit smugly at home when such an evening was being held, always too willing to reap the benefits, but unprepared to make any sacrifice. He thought it was the solemn duty of all, to show some appreciation to the men going overseas, by at least being present at the social in their honour.

It was little wonder that those servicemen now returning from arduous war service, looked aghast at the social conditions being enjoyed dur-

ing their absence and that of their comrades in arms, by those who stayed at home.

Mr Neate welcomed the same “true faces” and praised the enthusiasm of the ladies’ committee and those who assisted to make the function a success. He wished Des. Godspeed, a safe return and the hope of an editorship on some “leading New Zealand paper,” in the not too far distant future!

The chairman of the Hauraki Plains County 'Council, Mr C. W. 'Parfitt, said that Trooper Mahoney was one of a family making a 100 per cent, sacrifice. His brother Jerry had paid the supreme sacrifice. Des. was keen to join the band of New Zealanders who had proved themselves second to none in the fields of battle. He had always been enthusiastic in any undertaking and. would show the same spirit in his war effort. .

There were representatives in each of the three services from the Ngatea district and.' these men were spread all over the Empire. It is a proud boast and Mr Parfitt reminded the people of those among them, who had served and were now returned. “We must extend our sympathy with understanding, to them, and spare no endeavour to assist them in their efforts to resume civilian life, often under severe handicap,” he said. “Des. attended the local school at Ngatea and is known to us all,” concluded Mr Parfitt. In asking him to accept this presentation, he extended the very best wishes of the community for a safe return, duty done. In reply, Trooper Mahoney, who is a son of Mr E. A. Mahoney,' Hauraki Plains county clerk, said that although

it was some time since he had actually lived amongst'them, he was deeply touched by their kindness and felt that those present were all his good friends. “It will be jolly decent to have this evening to remember, when lam over the other side. I sincerely hope it will be my privilege to do as well as our other lads there and that we won’t be too long getting back home again. Thank you all.”

Hearty musical honurs were accorded and everyone joined in singing “Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye.” Music for dancing was supplied by Mrs C. H. Waite, Miss P. Johnson and Mr D. Johnson, while Miss E. Marchant and Miss I. Jackson .played the extras.

Those present included:— Mesdames T. Sydenham, A. Douglas, R. Grbich, C. H. Waite, T. McClean, J. Spence, W. Flint, A. Cleave, S? Phelps, D. Waite, C. Brown, F. Connors, V. Barriball, M. Skipper, J. Galvin, W. Baxter, D. Williamson, R. Dudley, P. E. Benner, C. J. McCarthy, F. Pierce, H. Darby. Misses A. Paul, I. Hodgson, U. Douglas, D. Short, E. Marchant, D. Phelps, J. Rabe, R. Booth <Kerepeehi), P. Johnson, N. Sherlock, J. Neil,- D. Douglas, I. Jones, D. Sherlock, J. Shilton (Kerepeehi), I. Jackson, K. Neate, M. Dale, 'P. Cleave, D. Booth.