MEN FAREWELLED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3280, 25 June 1943, Page 4

MEN FAREWELLED

FUNCTION AT HIKUTAIA PRESENTATIONS MADE THREE SOLDIERS HONOURED A very large number of residents and visitors from surrounding districts were present at the Hikutaia Hall on Monday evening when Ptes. C 7 Meredith, P. Corbett and J. Klaus were tendered a public farewell. The function took the form of a dance and euchre, the New Collegians’ Orchestra providing their usual bright music. After a dainty supper had been served Mr Geb. Avery, chairman of the Hikutaia Farewell Committee extended a very hearty welcome to the guests of honour, who, he said, were all well-known and popular, and on looking around the splendid representative gathering present it was easy to see in what high esteem they were held. He said he felt proud that he had the opportunity to bid them farewell on behalf of those present. Well-Known Soldiers Privates Corbett and Meredith he had known all their lives and Private Klaus for the past two years but he knew he could safely say that they were all fit to take their places anywhere and would on all occasions be capable of upholding the very best traditions of New Zealand. On behalf of the people of Hikutaia he then presented, each man with a money-belt together with every best wish. Mr Avery also presented them each with a gift from the members of the Hikutaia Football Club, whose colours they had all helped to carry to victory many times. The gifts, he said, carried all wishes for the best of luck. ' Mr Avery wished each man God speed and a safe return to New Zealand. Hearty cheers were given and “They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” was sung. Each man. received an ovation as he rose to receive his gift and this was repeated when they replied to Mr Avery. Appreciation of Guests Private Corbett thanked everyone very much for the great farewell and present and said he hoped to be soon back with them all again. ■Private Meredith thanked everyone for the great reception. He said what a great pleasure it was to see all the faces there that he knew and- hoped he would be back to see them all again very soon. Private Klaus thanked everyone for their presentation and hoped to see them all again before long. Private Meredith has lived in Hikutaia for the past 20 years, having received his primary education at the Wharepoa School. He has always been well known and popular with all sections of the community. He played good football for a number of seasons for Hikutaia.

Private P. Corbett is the son of Mrs J. Corbett and the late Mr John Corbett and has always lived in Hikutaia, having attended the Hikutaia school and the Thames High School. Although of a quiet and retiring nature he was popular with all who knew him. He also has' represented Hikutaia on the football field. Private Klaus 'has only lived in Hikutaia for the past two years, Morrinsville' being his home town, but during his residence in Hikutaia he was very well known to all both on the football and polo fields, but particurly the latter as he was regarded as one of New Zealand’s most promising junior polo players. The euchre prize was won by Mrs W. Green and Mr S. Wyatt. The spot dance was won by Mr B. Alley and Miss B. McNeil and the Monte Carlo by Mr B. Alley and Miss H. Percy. The M.C. was'Mr G. Flavell.. Those present were:— Mrs C. Meredith (Frankton), Mrs J. Corbett, Mi’s A. Klaus (Morrinsville) and Mesdames J. Miller, W. Morrison, R. W. Lowry, G. Avery, A. Duncan, A. W. Alley, D. Healey, C.' Clotworthy, N. Harper, L. Martin, H. Spinks, F. Morrison, B. Duncan, A. McCollum, A. Stratford, C. G. Murdock, M. Morrison, G. Flavell, Armstrong, Chalk (Puriri), F. Klaus (Morrinsville), Burnett, G. Trembath, F. Strange (Komata), McNeil (Omahu), T. Lurich (Auckland), V. Brown, A. Alley, C. Reid, C. Alley, D. Winfield, C. Alley, W. Green, J. Baird, G. Geory, Dromgool, A. Morrison (Komata), C. Wright (Puriri), R. Herbert (Hastings), Cedric Murdock. Misses M. Corbett, W. Corbett, H. Klaus (Morrinsville), D. McGregor (Thames), S. McGregor (Thames), Q. Duncan (Waihi), J. Healey, H. Percy, P. Crosby (Paeroa), Z. Flavell, G. Winder, R. O’Hara, Reilly (Puriri), P. Hopping, Scanlan (2) (Paeroa), H. Trembath, Kelly (Puriri), B. McNeil (Omahu), C. Goonan, Fredricks (Puriri), Chajk, >S. McNeil (Omahu), Su ; ton.