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Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3275, 14 June 1943, Page 5

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SOLDIERS FROM THE WAR FUNCTION HELD IN PAEROA EIGHT MEN FROM MIDDLE EAST A public welcome organised by the Paeroa District Patriotic Committee was tendered on Friday evening to a number of soldiers who have ..eturned from overseas. The men who were thus honoured were Staff Sergeant L. Huston, Corporal Dori Sutherland, Lance-Corporal J. T. Neil, .Sapper H. A. Cummings, Sapper H. Robinson, Privates S. McClinchy, W. Matheson and G. R. Thompson. Due to illness and military duties the last four named men were unable to be present at the function. The Regent Hall, which was decorated with flags, bunting and greenery, was filled with an enthusiastic throng of dancers while cards were enjoyed in, the Labour Party’s room. The Civic Hall was suitably decorated and was used to dispose of the excellent supper which was handed round.

The Paeroa Melody Makers provided the music while Corporal G. Hale, W.A.A.C., provided extras which were much appreciated. Mr P. Caisley was. the M.C. Monte Carlos held during the evening were won by Mrs M. E. Pennell and Private A. Lawrence and Mrs Taylor and Mr G. Heffernan. The winners of the five hundred were Mrs J. White and Mr Steve White, while Mrs J. Schuler and Mr W. J. Pope were awarded the consolation prizes. Heartfelt Welcome Just prior to supper the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, invited the guests of honour to join him on the stage and on behalf of the people of Paeroa extended a heartfelt welcome to each and everyone of the men. In introducing* the men to the gathering the Mayor explained that not all of the men had left from Paeroa, but due to family reasons, military duties, etc., they had all come back to the town and the people were pleased indeed to have them with them

again. During the last four years we have farewelled many boys from Paeroa, said the Mayor, and on each such occasion we have expressed the hope that the citizens would have the opportunity to welcome them back home. The present function was the second such opportunity offered in Paeroa to welcome soldiers back to their native land and to express appreciation of the sacrifices they had made for those who had been able to stay behind and enjoy the freedom which was held so dear in all parts of the British Empire. It was the duty of every citizen to do his utmost to make up for the hardship soldiers, sailors and airmen .had suffered in the cause of freedom. Duty of All * The Mayor pointed out that these men did not leave New Zealand with the expectation of receiving any honour but had merely gone forward to do their duty. The men coming home to-day were not a hundred per cent fit, pointed out "Mr Edwards, and it was therefore a greater duty of the people of New Zealand to see that these men were assisted in every way possible to return to normal civilian life.

Touching on the' pleasure the men must have experienced in returning to their homeland after such a long absence, Mr Edwards expressed the hope that the guests of honour were enjoying all the thrills that such a home-coming means.

Mr Edwards said how sorry he was that all the men who had returned home had not been able to attend the function. Private Matheson had telegraphed his apology for not being present while Private Thompson, who was also in Auckland, had sent word that his duties would not permit him to leave that city at present. Private McClinchy was a Paeroa boy and he had written expressing thanks for the invitation to attend but asked to be excused. Sapper ,_vunnson, another Paeroa boy, was present a hospital case and had b. m unable to secure leave to be present. To all those men the Mayor expressed a heartfelt welcome on their return home. Exploits of New Zealanders Continuing, the Mayor expressed the gratitude of all for the task which the New Zealand Division was doing so well. All had followed their exploits first in Africa then in Greece and Crete and then again in the final two Middle East campaigns. . Where ever the New Zealand Division had appeared it had gained distinction and earned the respect of the enemy. Many of the New Zealand boys had had wonderful adventures in these campaigns. One of the guests of honour, Sapper H. Robinson, had

wandered in Greece for some eight or nine months before he escaped back To Egypt, while. L./Cpl. J. Neil had been taken prisoner in North Arica but with some of his mates saw a truck lying idle and borrowed it to return to their own lines. The obligation under which every man, woman and child owes to the men serving in the New Zealand Division was emphasised by the Mayor and he appealed to all to assist the men? who would be returning in even greater numbers in the near future, to regain their place in the normal civil life of the community as easily as possible. Funds For Loan The Mayor also issued an appeal for support for the present Third Liberty Loan explaining that the money was wanted, to provide army equipment; etc., for the men serving in the Armed Forces and who were doing such a wonderful job. He pointed out that the soldiers, sailors and airmen were fighting not for themselves for every man, woman and child in New Zealand so that they might enjoy the* freedom they treasured so highly. '

Three rousing cheers were then given by the gathering followed by the singing of “For They Are Joily ■Good Fellows.”

Suitable replies were made by the men present.