WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32414, 31 March 1944, Page 5

WELCOME HOME

SERVICEMEN ON LEAVE FUNCTION HELD IN PAEROA DANCE IN THE CIVIC HALL Appropriately decorated with flags and above all the kindly feeling of friends well met after adventures in many parts of the world made the welcome home dance held in the Civic Hall on Wednesday in honour of men from the second furlough draft, an occasion equally to be remembered with that given the first. Fewer men returned, to this district with the draft but airmen and soldiers from the Pacific back on leave helped to swell the numbers. Unfortunately a number of the men were unable to attend the function, some being away on their honeymoons while others were absent for various reasons. The guests of honour were: —Sgt. W. E. Waines, Cpl. A. W. Chapman, L.-Cpl. T. P. Clarkin, Pte. J. H. Ardern, Pte. R. S. S. Capill, Sgn. K. Gerrand, L.A.C. *E. McCarthy. Those who were unable to be present were Sgt. Pat, Goonan, Cpl. B. R. Hunt, Cpls. W” M. Charlesworth, E. G. Robbins, L.A.C. G. S. Clark, L.-Cpls. J. C. Silcock, J. Brock, Pte. Fitzhenry, Dve. T. Horner, Spr. C. J. McKain, Pte. L. A. Nelson, Flight-Sgt. Hamish Wilson, L.A.C. N. Alexander, J. Stewart, Aircraftmen J. Angus and G. A. Gallagher.

Just before the serving of an ample and tasty supper the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards invited the guests of honour to join him on the stage. As the men marched! on to the stage led by Sgt. Waines, all present sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” followed by three rousing cheers. Guests Introduced The Mayor said that the function was the third welcome home which had been given in Paeroa to men of the services back home on leave or finally home for good. He read a number of apologies from men who had been unable to be present and then introduced each man on the stage. As each of the guests rose to be introduced they were greeted' by applause.

Speaking of the guests of honour the Mayor said there were present men who had served in both the Middle East and Pacific war zones. All had done their bit and were back home for a well-earned rest. He also welcomed a number of U.S. visitors who were among the dancers, expressing the hope that they would spend an enjoyable evening. The Mayor also spoke of the great work which had been done by the Allies in the Pacific Islands, thereby removing the threat to the shores of New Zealand. Continuing, the Mayor expressed on behalf of the people of Paeroa their delight in having the guests of honour back home again with their wives and families and sweethearts. He referred to the hardships they had suffered and expressed the gratitude of all for what they had done.

“When you finally come back home and settle down, take advantage of the help which will be offered to you through the rehabilitation authorities,” said the Mayor in assuring the men of assistance in this direction. Management of Town Speaking to those who are already permanently home, the Mayor expressed the hope that they would take a definite interest in the control and management of the Dominion and town, pointing out that by their service they had earned the right to take a leading- part in the direction of the country’s future. He expressed the hope that some of them would offer their services in the forthcoming local body elections to be held in May. The Mayor also expressed pleasure at seeing so.many people present to give a fitting welcome to the guests of honour and in conclusion on behalf of the Paeroa District Patriotic Committee extended a heartfelt welcome home to all, conveying to the men assembled on the stage all best wishes for the future. Sgt. Waines replied on behalf of the men and expressed appreciation for the fine reception given them. He said he could not explain just how good it was to be home but he assured everybody that it was “alright.” He expressed appreciation of the work done by the Patriotic Committee, assuring them that the men overseas were grateful indeed for their efforts. • L.-Cpl. Clarkin also expressed thanks of or the welcome and his personal appreciation of the work done by the Patriotic Committee. Others of the party appealed to the Mayor to expres stheir appreciation,

fully endorsing the remarks of the other speakers. As the men left the stage they were again greeted with three hearty cheers The Mayor then expressed the thanks of the committee to the orchestra and artists for their assistance. The orchestra, he said, had generously offered its services free. Music for the evening was supplied by the Paeroa Melody Makers and Mr W. Townley acted as M.C. Monte Carlo waltz winners were Miss T. McClinchy and Mr Alach and a spot waltz was won by Miss M. Maney and L.A.C. McCarthy. Items were given by Miss M. McClinchy, “Break O’ Day,” and “Ah Sweet Mystery Of Life,” and Mrs J. Stevenson, “Land Of Hope And Glory,” and “Road To The Isle.” The accompanists were Mrs J. L. Brown and Miss R. Smith. Misses E. and P. Royal, duets, “Hawaii Galls,” “Blue Hawaii,” “Begin The Beguine,” “In Old Manila”; Miss E. Royal, “White Christmas.”