CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3286, 9 July 1943, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATION MADE FUNCTION ON THURSDAY CAPT. S. BRIDGE HONOURED A civic farewell was tendered to ■Captain S. Bridge in the Paeroa Borough Chambers on Thursday night, the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, presiding. 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 Captain Bridge was accepting a reduction of rank so as to be able to go overseas to join the other New Zealand boys who were making such a name for themselves wherever* they met the enemy.

Speaking of Captain Bridge’s association with Paeroa the Mayor said he was exceedingly well known in Paeroa —in fact was one of the local boys who through his interest in Army work had done so well in this sphere of activity. He said that he was confident that with the knowledge and enthusiasm which Captain Bridge had always displayed in all military matters he was equal to any task which might be asked of him when he was overseas. He expressed confidence in the guest, of honour to uphold the tradition which the New Zealanders of the 1914-18 war and the present conflict had established. Greetings To Paeroa Boys The Mayor asked Captain Bridge to convey to any Paeroa boy he should meet overseas the best wishes of the people of Paeroa and to express their admiration of the great job they had done. He wished him the best of luck in his service away from New Zealand with a safe and speedy return. Mr H. M. Shand endorsed the remarks of the Mayor saying he had known Captain Bridge for many years and he was a “first-class young fellow” and a credit to the town. He expressed the hope that he Would come back safe and well and wished him every success while overseas. 'Mr R. S. Carden paid a tribute to Captain Bridge who he termed a “true Paeroa Boy” who by close attention to his military duties had worked him-

self up to the rank of captain. He congratulated him on his quick promotion and wished him the very best of good luck for the future with a safe and speedy return. Mr B. Gwilliam said he had known Captain Bridge for many years and had found him to be a wonderful boy to his parents as well as a good husband and father to his wife and children. He had done his best in his military career and had achieved the rank of captain, a rank he thoroughly- deserved. Captain Bridge was going away with a wonderful character and he was sure he would come back highly respected by all with whom he came in contact. He wished him every success and a safe and speedy return. Efficient Officer Mr W. Smith said he also had known Captain Bridge for a long time and had admired his work, especially that done in military affairs .He had proved an efficient officer. As a representative of the people of Paeroa he extended to the guest of honour their grateful thanks for the sacrifice he was making in going forth to defend, all that everybody held so dear. He expressed the hope that Captain Bridge would have a safe and speedy return to- New Zealand.

Mr D. G. McMillan endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and paid a tribute to the work done by Captain 'Bridge, complimenting him on attaining '.he rank he now held. He expressed he opinion that Captain Bridge wou’d fill wi h credit any position he was called upcn to hold while overseas. He wished him all the best while overseas toge'her with Godspeed. Canton B’-Tge in r cp'y expressed his appreciation of the compTments

paid to him, saying that although he was sorry to be leaving his family he was glad he was going to join the men he had helped to train. He returned thanks for the presentation. The function closed with three cheers and the \singing of “For He’s Ji Jolly Good Fellow.”