CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32410, 22 March 1944, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATION MADE ORD.-SEAMAN R. M. SHORT FUNCTION MONDAY EVENING At a gathering of citizens held in the Paeroa Borough Council Chambers on Monday evening a civic farewell was tendered to a Paeroa sailor at present, home on leave. His Worship the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, presided', the guest of honour being Ordinary-Seaman R. M. Short. Speaking to Ordinary-Seaman Short Mr Edwards said that he was going away on a life full of adventure and he knew him well enough to know he would make the most of the adventures which came his way. The Mayor referred to the guest of honour’s brothers in the services. One brother, Flying-Officer Syd. Short had been awarded the D.F.C. while another had gone away early in the war and had done his bit. Both were now prisoners of war. Continuing, Mr Edwards said that with Ron’s departure the family would have a representative in each of the three branches of the service, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. He referred to the service of the father in the Great War and expressed confidence that Ron would carry on the tradition set by his father and brothers and all New Zealanders in the three services. In conclusion he asked Ron to carry greetings from the people of Paeroa to all Paeroa boys he might meet while overseas. In presenting the usual money belt and letter to Ordinary-Seaman Short, 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. Family’s Proud Record Mr A. E. 'Day, headmaster of the Paeroa District High School said he was pleased and proud to associate himself with the Mayor in what he had said to the guest of honour. The family had a proud record and Ron would uphold it like those before him. He assured Ron that he carried with him the best wishes of the pupils of the school, both past and present. Mr F. Sparks endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and wished Ron a safe and speedy return to New Zealand. ■Ordinary,-Seaman Short suitably replied expressing thanks for the presentation. He assured the gathering that he would do his best to uphold the tradition set by his father and brothers and their comrades.