Farewell Functions To Final Leave Recruits

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 307, 29 December 1939, Page 2

Farewell Functions To Final Leave Recruits

PRESENTATIONS MADE Yesterday the Pahiatua recruits left to return to their camps after spending final leave. Unfortunately there was no civic farewell, but a series of farewells in Pahiatua and surrounding districts have taken place during the past week. In country halls and private houses, gatherings large and small honoured the men who aro going overseas with tokens of goodwill from the people of their home town and district. These functions were spontaneous and must have made “the boys’’ realise to some extent how much those who stay behind appreciate their action. Mr. A. L. W, Bailey. Many speakers wished Mr. A. L. W. Bailey ‘ 4 bon voyage 9 ’ and a safe return at the farewell dance in the Hamua Hall on Wednesday night, and presentations on behalf of various organisations were made. Mr. P. Davies was chairColonel Herbert, of Eketahuna, addressed the gathering on the ideals of the soldier. When the boys were away, he said, they should try to keep up the traditions of New Zealand overseas. Mr. J. B. Carruthers, presenting the guest of honour with a wristlet watch on behalf of Hamua residents, wished him all good luck and a safo return. Mr. D. Bourke conveyed the Hamua returned soldiers’ best wishes to Private Bailey in his service overseas. A presentation from the Hamua Women’s Institute was made by the president, Mrs. Hobbs, and Mr. Carruthers handed Mr. Bailey a presentation from the Konini dairy factory. Community singing, with popular war songs well to the fore, filled intervals in tho function. An exceptionally large crowd filled the hall, dancing to music played by Ken Hicks’ orchestra occupying the remainder of tho evening. Mr. R. Mabey was the M.C. Mr. B. W. Matthews. The Marima Hall w T as filled to capacity by a crowd of over 150 people on Tuesday evening at the farewell to Mr. K. W. Matthews. As Mr. Fouhy remarked, there was ample evidence of the great popularity of Mr. Matthews in the district where he had lived practically all his life. Presenting the guest of honour with a wristlet watch, Mr. T. Fouhy congratulated him on enlisting, and hoped he would return safely from overseas. The watch was strapped on his wrist by Miss D. Bussell to the accompaniment of musical honours. Mr. Matthews made a brief reply. Mr. Drysdale, of Nlxeaha, provided music for dancing, extras being played by Misses Phyllis Lawson aud Bita Jewett. Mr. K. Elliott was the M.C. Two novelty dances were won by Miss D. Bussell and Mr. B. W. Matthews. Supper, served by the Marima ladies, added to the success of the function. Mr. H. Reeve. Mr. Harold Reeve was farewelled at a well-attended social in the Konini Hall on Saturday evening. The presentation of a cheque, on behalf of Konini residents, was made by Mr. A. P. Jensen, who expressed best wishes for a safe return. Messrs Gordon Smith, B. J. Smith, B. Mabey and O. Stone also expressed good wishes on behalf of the gathering. The evening was spent in dancing to the music of Mr. Bay Legg, of Feiiding, Mr. B. Henry acting as M.C. A Monte Carlo was won by Miss P. Miller and Mr. L. Turner. A dainty supper, provided by the ladies of Konini, was served under the direction of Mesdames O. Mabey, A. P. Jensen and J. Miller. Mr. T. Chisnall. An enjoyable evening was spent at Mr. P. M. Priest’s residence, Ngaturi, recently to farewell Private Trevor Chisnall. Mrs. Olsen, of Kohinui, supplied an excellent programme of dance music. Mr. J. Dick made a very efficient M.C. Extras were played by Mrs. Stewart and Miss Shirley Ammundsen. A novelty dance was won by Miss Me* Chesney (Otaki) and Private Chisnall. After a bountiful supper, Mr. 1). Morrison presented Private Chisnall with a wristlet watch and wished him a safe return, on behalf of the residents of Ngaturi. Trevor suitably replied, thanking the gathering for their good wishes, and hoping to be back amongst them soon.