CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3279, 23 June 1943, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATIONS MADE FUNCTION TUESDAY NIGHT NINE SOLDIERS HONOURED There was a good attendance at the civic farewell tendered in the Paeroa Borough Chambers on Tuesday night the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, presiding. The guests of honour were Sgt.-Major A. D. Davie, Sgt. F. D. Kinred, Signalman A. Gaylor, Tpr. F. E. Costello, Pte. D. Maloney, Pte. L. W. Adams, Pte. A. D. Lawrence, Tpr. C. L. Ardern and Tpr. T. C. King. In making the usual presentation of a money-belt accompanied by a letter from the people of Paeroa the Mayor expressed admiration of the spirit in which the men were going forward to deal with the danger which was at present facing the Empire. The present occasion, said the Mayor was the twentieth oi’ twentyfirst farewell in Paeroa and all and everybody admired the men going forward at present similarly to those who had gone before them. All regretted the need for them to have to go but knew the men were going forward with just the same spirit as those who had gone earlier. He hoped that their stay overseas would not be long and referred to the better outlook of the cause of the Allies to-day.

Still Much To Be Done According to General Freyberg there is still much to be done and the men present would have a big task to handle but he was sure they were equal to the job and would acquit themselves with credit in the fight which the Empire was making for the freedom which all treasured so highly. Continuing, Mr Edwards expressed the town’s “justifiable pride” in the Paeroa boys who had gone forth to serve 'New Zealand and spoke with regret of those who’ had paid the supreme sacrifice. Speaking directly to the guests of honour the Mayor asked them to convey the good wishes of the citizens of Paeroa to any Paeroa boys they might meet overseas. He emphasised that the task before them was more than an adventure and would contain many hours of worry and hard work but he advised them to make the most of their leave periods to make up for the hardships they had to contend with.’ Division Resting Referring to the New Zealand Division in the Middle East Mr Edwards said he was pleased to hear it was at present resting back in Maadi Camp and expressed the hope that it would not be long before all the boys were back in 1 New Zealand with the present conflict over. Mr Edwards then spoke to each soldier personally, conveying to them the very best wishes from the people of Paeroa for an interesting time while overseas and a safe and speedy return to their homes. Mr W. Smith endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and also wished the men the very best of luck. Mr C. C. Webb commented that he had known most of the boys since they were youngsters. He also endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and wished all the best of everything—a good trip and a safe and speedy return to New Zealand. Proud of Division Mr A. E. Day speaking on behalf of the pupils and staff of the Paeroa District High School said he was proud to be associated with the function. He extended the guests of honour the best wishes of the school, saying he knew all would acquit themselves well. “You are going to join a Division which we are all proud of,” said Mr Day. In conclusion he wished them a safe journey and a happy return. Sgt.-Major Davie, Sgt. Kinred and Pte. Maloney returned thanks on behalf of the men. The function closed with three cheers and the singing of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” •