WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3293, 28 July 1943, Page 7

WELCOME HOME

DANCE AT COROMANDEL MEN FROM MIDDLE EAST CROWD ATTENDS FUNCTION On Tuesday, July 20, St. George’s Hall, Coromandel, was the scene .of a large and representative gathering of people on the occasion of p public welcome to the men on furlough from the Middle East. The Coromandel Silver Band was in attendance and opened the function with the National Anthem after which they played the first waltz. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, while a large welcome sign was in evidence across the end of the hall. Lycopodium decorations completed the picture which was very pleasing to the eye and was a credit to those responsible.

During the evening the band played two marches, “Nifty” and. “Band Boys,” and these were accorded hearty

The music for the dancing was acclamation.

supplied by Mrs E. M. Lucas and Lee Perfect, while extras were played by Mrs Stewart, Miss Lillis and Miss McLellan.

Miss Jean McLellan gave some of her delightful songs, “When The Lights Go On Again,” and “Beneath The Lights of Home.” Spontaneous applause resulted in an ensore “Johnny Doughboy,” which was also warmly applauded. . Eight Soldiers Attend

Eight servicemen were present:— Cpl. D. G. McNeil, Cpl- Selwyn Long; Pte. R. McKeddie, Pte. G. J. Perfect, Pte. D. Brown, Pte. Evan Lundberg Dvr. R. McNeil and Gnr. D. Adams, all of whom have just returned from the Middle East.

Mr C. C. Rae, chairman of the Coromandel Patriotic Committee said it was his privilege to welcome the boys home fresh from the scenes of battle. Probably they were in the toughest spot to-night than they had ever been in before! He spoke of the “very representative gathering present which testified to the love and esteem in which the boys were held by the people of Coromandel.

“You have been away and done a good job of work in order that we may live in peace and harmony here,” said Mr Rae. “The Government wishes to be identified with this public welcome, and to express its gratitude to you boys from overseas. I’m particularly glad to see Pte. Dave Brown here. It has been a matter of-con-cern among several people that he had returned home some little while ago and no public welcome had' been given him. We are pleased to have him here with the boys to-night and welcome him as we are them. Let us hope you’re all here to-stay and on behalf of the parents, sweethearts and wives I bid you welcome home,” added Mr Rae.

“For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” was sung, followed by three rousing cheers. Seldom has the hall' heard such a wholehearted rendering of musical honours.

Mr Murphy, president of the Coromandel Returned Services Association said he had already had the opportunity of extending a welcome to some of the boys and to the others who had arrived home since he also extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the old “Diggers.” Esteem Of The Public “The attendance here this evening and last Tuesday when you arrived back, is an illustration to you men of the esteem and affection in which you are held here. I take this opportunity of welcoming you all home this evening. By the end of your furlough we trust that congenial surroundings will have restored you all to good health again,” said Mr Murphy. “I take this opportunity as an old ‘Digger’ in saying that during your sojourn overseas you have upheld the traditions even better than we did. (Applause). You have suffered reverses and disappointments but you have come back home. You had the edge on them all along in North Africa. Before concluding, I would like to say I hope you men will join the R.S.A. when the time comes and with your friends and acquaintances the R.S.A. gatherings will 'be wonderful places to exchange experiences,” concluded Mr Murphy. Mr Rae expressed appreciation to the musicians and the members of the committee who had worked to make the welcome home a success. Cpl. D. G. McNeil replied on behalf of the boys. In the course of his remarks he said someone had said he would find Coromandel quiet. On the contrary he said since he had been back it seemed as though the war was as bad here as ‘over there.’

“But rest anured,” he continued, “that the many good-thing* you send overseas we have received and the boys are still receiving them now and