WELCOMED HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3293, 28 July 1943, Page 6

WELCOMED HOME

TROOPS FROM MIDDLE EAST FUNCTION AT WHITIANGA RECEPTION IN PUBLIC HALL The public hall, Whitianga, on Thursday evening, July 22, was a picturesque sight, being beautifully decorated, by local ladies, with large punga fern and nikau fronds. Amidst the foliage, white lilies and golden marigolds were tastefully placed and the entire hall gave the visitors the impression. they were in a peaceful, secluded bower. Relieving the symphony of green and flower colours, were the entire collection of ship’s flags from the “Lady Jocelyn” draped across the ceiling and across the front of the stage. The flags across the stage were hung in order ti> read in nautical language, the word “Welcome.” A hall filled to capacity with youthful and elderly residents of Whitianga, bore out the message of the flags, welcome, to the boys of the district on furlough from the Middle East.

The public welcome and reception took the form of a dance under the capable and bright leadership of Mr •S. Hemmings. Mrs Rose supplied the music on her piano accordion in her customary capable manner and was relieved at intervals by an extra from Mrs Matheson, and the song “White Christmas” sung by ' “The Merry Maids,” Misses M., J. and C. Sewell, J. Bronlund and P. Mannion, accompanist, Miss E. Lee. Mr Hemmings added that extra touch to several of the dance melodies by the addition of his castanettes.

Singing “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” and loud clapping, introduced the appearance on the stage of six tanned lads in khaki, followed by their family representatives and the speakers of the evening. Five local boys, Dvrs. H. and R. McCabe, Ptes. C. and S. Baker and Pte. R. Lowe and Dvr. Davies of Hamilton comprised the guests of honour to whom the following speakers directed thoughts. Mr Pooley representing the local bodies and Patriotic Committee, Mr Brophy representing the R.S.A., in his capacity as president, Mr W. Lee representing old residents of the Bay and Mr A. Watkins as member for the riding*, who also conveyed the greetings of Mr C. C. Rae, of Coromandel, ■on behalf of the Coromandel County Council.

Pte. C. Baker, in his few words of response to the speakers of the evening expressed sincere thanks to the people of Whitianga for the reception. Dvr. H. McCabe also responded on behalf of the boys. Miss E. Lee presented lovely posies to Mrs T. L. C. Lowe, Mrs R. Lowe,