CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3299, 13 August 1943, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

FUNCTION HELD IN PAEROA PRESENTATION MADE SEAMAN TOWNLEY HONOURED A civic farewell was tendered’ to Ordinary-Seaman W. H. Townley, in the Borough Council Chambers, Paeroa, on Wednesday afternoon, the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, presiding. In opening the function the Mayorapologised for the small attendance which was due to the hurried nature of the gathering. It was originally intended that the function be held on Thursday when the guest of honour, together with Leading-Aircraftman C. F. Thuell, would be farewelled. However, the latter had been hurriedly recalled to his base and a private farewell was tendered to him on Tuesday. Mr Edwards apologised for the people of Paeroa of whom, he said, he was sure there would have been more present had longer notice been given. In making the usual presentation of a money belt accompanied by a letter from the citizens of Paeroa the •Mayor said that perhaps the guest of honour was not, quite so well known niiiiii’iiiiillliilllilllllllllllllinililllllllllllJllHlllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllHllllllllWlllllllllHlllßllll

to the gathering as was his father, Mr W. J. Townley. It was futile to say much about the service which Ordin-ary-Seaman Townley had joined. All knew' the exploits of the British Navy and the Empire would not enjoy her freedom were it not for the-Navy. He referred to the achievements of H.M.S. Achilles, earlier in the war, and the H.M.S. Leander in the Middle East, Far East and Solomons and said he hoped that whatever ship, the guest of honour was posted to it would carry out the traditions of the British Navy similar to the other New Zealand ships. “Chip Off The Old Block” The chairman said Ordinary-Seaman Townley was a “Chip Off The Old Block” and he felt sure he would fulfill his duties with credit to his people and would be the pride of those privileged to know him. Mr Edwards concluded by wishing the guest of honour a happy time wherever his ship was destined to take him, Godspeed and a safe return to Paeroa together with the other members of the services.

Mr H. M. Shand, the deputy-Mayor endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker and said that although he had not known Ordinary- Seaman Townley very long he was sure he would do well wherever he went. Mr R. -S. Carden referred to the “Senior” Service and wished the guest of honour the best of luck. Rev. J. R. Nelson said it was with pleasure that he rose to say a few words and wished Ordinary-Seaman Townley all the good things of the service and he hoped and prayed he would soon be restored to the old land that gave him birth. Mrs G. Bennett also added her best wishes. In reply Ordinary-Seaman Townley thanked the citizens of Paeroa and the Mayor for the presentation made to him. The function closed with the singing of “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” and three'hearty cheers.