Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 2, 3 January 1940, Page 3

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent. Farewell to Men of First Echelon. The Coronation Hull was packed to the doors, while a largo number of people bad to content tneiusclvcs with listening from the supper room, wlieu the residents of Ronguiea and district gathered to bid farewell to the men leaving with tbe Jirst echelon. The decorations in tue nail were carried out iu red, white aud blue. At tho back of tno stage crossed bags, the Union Jack and JNew Zealand flag formed the only decoration, bat small tables held bowls aud basnets of red, white and blue flowers, while right across the stage in front of the lootlights was a massed sloping bank of geraniums and delphiniums iu colours of red, white aud blue. A tremendous quantity of flowers had been necessary for the purpose and the owners of gardens iu the district were most generous, many stripping their gardens. The lights were all suuded with the same colours, while a number of other largo flags were around tiie walls. Mrs. Ivoitn Coliinsou planned the decorations which were greatly admi red. The first part of tue evening was occupied with a concert programme, towards the close of which the chairman, Mr. W. Amey, called on the member for the district, the Hon. J. li. Cob be, to address tho gathering. Mr. C'obbe said it was splendid to find such a iarge audience and he really felt it was only light that all should pay tri bute to the young men who were sacrificing everything. He hoped to have tiic pleasure of welcoming them back in health and strength. The next aker was Mr. W. A. Churchill, presideut of the R.S.A., who said the readiness of the men to volunteer gave the Jie to all taose who said our youth were deteriorating, Biuce this country had attained Dominion status, its manhood lia«l been called upon already to take part in two wars, on each occasion our men having proved themselves equal lo the best. The men who were shortly departing overseas would soon fully realise that wonderful sense of comradeship which reached its highest pitch among those who had endured hardship and faced danger together. J. lie audience cheered w hen Mr. Amey called on Trooper E. Siraonsen, Pri'utes J. Hill aud H. Claascn aud C. L. Jessup and A. 13. Wittou, of the Air Force, to come up to the stage. Mr. 'Amey congratulated the boys on the .-j*iiit which had led them to volunteer among the first, and expressed the opinion that they would all give a splendid account of themselves. The largo crowd testified to the appreciation and esteem with which they were held. On behalf of the residents, he presented each with an eversharp pencil and a j money belt, the audience rising and giving them musical honours. Trooper E. Bimonsen responded for the men. Gifts will also be forwarded to Privates Shaw and Brown, Corporals Lunn and Vaughan and Lieut. Athol Arnott. A concert piogrammc was contributed to by the following:—Vocal solos, Mrs. It. Aird, Miss li. Berkahn and Mr. Hoy Algar; tap dance,. Miss Lorna Dafter; skipping dance, Miss Gladys Amoy. Messrs. J. Brown, L. Wood and G. Dawson provided half-an-hour of hilarity. Selections were rendered by tho To Kawau Piano Accordion Band. Supper was dispensed by a ladies* committee under the leadership of Mrs. E. Arnott, members of the local Jt.S.A. assisting. Dancing to music supplied by the Piano Accor-

dion Band, and Messrs. Dawson and Vogt at the piano, carried on till a late. hour. Books For Troopships. The R.B.A. is making an urgent appeal for books and magazines for the troopships, and donations will bo received by the local secretary, Mr. Ci. Wen born.

The large attendance at the last monthly meeting of the year was most encouraging to members, who are now preparing for a further garden party and gala day early in February to augment the fund for a swimming bath. Details regarding the bath were discussed, i)uf it was considered that the most

funds and providing an attraction for tbe evening of the garden party. A small committee was set up to make inquiries into requirements for running a national dancing competition witfi power to act. The chairman, Mr. W. A. Hurst, thanked members for their loyalty and perseverenee, and offered seasonal greetings-to all.