“AU REVOIR, BUT NOT GOOD-BYE”

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 302, 22 December 1939, Page 2

“AU REVOIR, BUT NOT GOOD-BYE”

7arewell to Woodville Members of 2nd. N.Z.E.F. QUIET BUT IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY In front of the Borough Council chambers on Wednesday evening a large number of Woodville residents gathered to farewell the Woodville members of the second New Zealand Expeditionary Force (first echelon). There was no martial music, no waving of flags or other similar displays of patriotic exuberance, but the ceremony, carried out with the utmost simplicity, was strangely impressive. Among those in attendance was a largo number of returned soldiers and the minds of these men must have reflected similar scenes enacted during the years of the last Great War. The Woodville members of the 2nd. N.Z.E.F. (first echelon) who were honoured at the function were: Pte. L. J. Hayes, 2nd. Coy., 27th. Machine-gun Battalion; Tpr. G. Butler, Headquarters Divisional Cavalry; Pte. L. E. Cook, Ist. Coy, 27th. Machine-gun Battalion; Pte. V. Birchall, H.B. Coy., Infantry Battalion; Pte. W. Birchall, H.B. Coy., Infantry Battalion; Pte. H. Richardson, 19th. Wellington-West Coast Rifle Battalion; Pte. J. Wade, Headquarters Ist. Field Ambulance. The chairman of the Woodville Patriotic Society, Mr. R. R. Johnston, who presided, prefaced his romarks by explaining that the gathering had been called for the purpose of bidding "Au revoir" to the Woodville members of the first echelon, which was shortly to leave for overseas, and to wish them God-speed and a safe return to New Zealand. He pointed out that it had been decided by tho Woodville Patriotic Society that each local man leaving in the service of his country should receive a small presentation from the residents of the town and district. "These men,” continued the speaker, "are assisting in the great battle for democracy. They could not make a bigger sacrifice and we owe them a deep debt of gratitude for coming forward and offering their services. The type of man joining up is splendid and a real credit to the town and district." Mr. Johnston mentioned the large number of men who joined up from Woodville in the last war and he trusted that those they were farewelling that evening would return safely. Touching upon the work of the Patriotic Society in tho district, Mr. Johnston said he had made an appeal for £SO for comforts for the Woodville members of the forces. He realised that the Government regulations had dampened somewhat the public enthusiasm for contributing, but he assured those in attendance that all the money collected in Woodville would be spent there. Mr. Johnston also mentioned tho recent flag day appeal, saying that the result, though satisfactory in many ways, could have received much better support. The public could rest assured that all money collected in Woodville would be spent on their own boys. In conclusion, the speaker wished the seven men the compliments of the festive season and trusted they would all soon be back home again. Mrs. R. R. Johnston then presented each man with a pocket wallet on behalf of the Woodville Patriotic Society and with a small parcel on behalf of tho Hawke's Bay Provincial Patriotic Council, accompanying each presentation with appropriate good wishes. On behalf of the Woodville Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club and the Woodville Hockey Club, Mrs. Johnston also presented Trooper G. Butler with an attractive wrist watch. Trooper Butler had been secretary of both these clubs for some time and had rendered outstanding service. R.S.A. Presentations At the conclusion of the presentations on behalf of the patriotic organisations, the president of the Woodville R.S.A. (Mr. G. Wickes) presented each of the men with a small token of remembrance on behalf of the Woodville R.S.A. He explained that the body he represented was doing everything possible for the members of the 2nd. Expeditionary Force and if ever they wanted advice or assistance on any matter at all, this would be forthcoming.

Cheers and musical honours were then accorded the guests of honour and the function closed with the singing of the National Anthem.