SMOKE CONCERT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3295, 2 August 1943, Page 4

SMOKE CONCERT

SOLDIERS WELCOMED HOME WEST FOOTBALL CLUB FUNCTION HELD IN PAEROA On Thursday, July 29, the West Football Club tendered a welcome to recently-returned men of the New Zealand Division. The function took the form of a smoke concert which was held in the Civic Theatre. Though the attendance was not what would have been expected on such an occasion there was a fair crowd and a good time was had by all. Mr Chas. C. Webb was in the chair and at the chairman’s table were Mr Gene Shaw, a foundation member of the West Club, Mr E. V. Slyfield, patron of the club and. Mr C. H. Pascoe, of the Paeroa Rugby Union. Soldiers on furlough who were present were Sgt. A. Alp, Sgt. H. Beilby, Cpl. G. Fraser, Cpl. Moloney, Sgt. Wilkins, Sgt. Te Moananui, Pte. I. Neil, Pte. H. Lord and Pte. B. McDonald. Others present in uniform were Lieut. Ross. Harris and Air- , craftman 'Royal who was on his leave. Toast List. Those in charge of arrangements f for the evening were Sgt.-Major J. Sinnett and Mr H. E. Verran. Messrs L. Gloyn and R. Oats carried out the duties of stewards, i Toasts honoured were as follow:— “The King.” “West Football Club”.—Mr H. Verran and Mr Gene Shaw. Mr Shaw traced the history of the club from the very early days and his interesting and amusing reminiscences were much appreciated. “Paeroa Rugby Union.”—Mr E. V. Slyfield and Mr Paecoe. Mr Slyfield eulogised the union for their efforts in keeping the game going under difficult circumstances. He was sure their efforts would be fittingly rewarded by keen competitions when all the boys were home again.. “Kindred Clubs,”—Sgt.-Major Sinnett and Mr Bert Koromiko. Both speakers dwelt on the good' spirit which had existed between the different clubs. Rivalry was keen but this had only served to make football better. Enjoyable Items Sapper A. Armour gave a very interesting talk on his football experiences in England and the Middle East. Items were contributed as follow:— Mr A. Whisker,, songs, “Sweet Mys-, tery of Life,” “Mountains of Mornne”; Pte. Ivan Neil, “Pop-eye the Sailorman”; Sgt. Te Moananui,- Aircraftman Royal and Mr Bert Koromiko, songs, “Maori Battalion,”, and “Po-ata-rau”; Mr W. ‘ Pirie, recitation, “Dangerous Dan McGrew,” and pennystories; Mr E. Faulkner, stories; Mr Endean, song, “Rose of Tralee” and C.T. stories; community singing led by Mr Phil Caisley and Mr A. Whisker.

Lieut. Ross Harris officiated at the piano