CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32406, 13 March 1944, Page 4

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATION MADE SERVICEMEN HONOURED FUNCTION FRIDAY EVENING At a gathering of citizens held in the Paeroa Borough Council Chambers on Friday evening a civic farewell was tendered to four Paeroa soldiers at present home on leave. His Worship the Mayor, Mr Edwin Ed 1 - wards, presided, the guest of honour being - Trooper R. H. Bowling. Owing to a prior engagement Corporal Sam Young was unable to attend. Trooper C. Henton and Pte. L. Mathieson were also unable to attend as they had been recalled to camp the previous day. Speaking to Trooper Bowling, Mr Edwardls said that he had grown up in Paeroa, having resided in the town for the last 12 to 14 years. He assured him he would carry with him wherever he went overseas the respect and good wishes of the residents of Paeroa. Continuing, Mr Edwards expressed regret that it was still necessary for men to be sent overseas but the

war was still going on and then, of course the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force had to have reinforcements. Referring to the great work done by the New Zealand soldiers, sailors and airmen, Mr Edwards traced the progress of the North African, campaign up to the job which the New Zealand Division was doing to-day in Italy. Boys from Paeroa and the surrounding - district were serving today in Italy, said Mr Edwards, including a brother of the guest of honour. Mr Edwards asked l Trooper Bowlingto convey greetings from Paeroa to all local boys he might meet while overseas. Upholding the N.Z. Tradition Speaking of the task which lay ahead of the men being farewelled' the Mayor said he was confident they would ably uphold the tradition set up by those who had gone before them. In presenting the usual money belt and letter to Trooper Bowling, Mr Edwards assured him that the people of Paeroa would watch his future progress with the keenest possible interest and extended to him the wish for a safe and speedy return to his home town. Mr W. Smith endorsed the remarks of the’ previous speaker and also asked Trooper Bowling to convey greetings' to any of the Paeroa boys he met while he was overseas. He wished him a safe and speedy return to New Zealand. Mr E. Powell also wished the guest of honour the best of luck from the returned soldiers of the last war. He said the men of the Great War were proud indeed of the Second - New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He wished him a safe and speedy return to New Zealand. Trooper Bowling* suitably replied, expressing his thanks for the presentation. Three cheers and the singing of “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’* brought the function to a close.