FAREWELL TO SOLDIERS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 239, 27 September 1939, Page 2

FAREWELL TO SOLDIERS

R.S.A. AND ORPHANS’ CLUB

ENTHUSIASTIC • SCENES'. ’ ■ , The Al .asonic? Hall was crowded last night when;/Returned Soldiers, members of the Orphans’ Club and a large number of citizens .gathered toi hid farewell to the local volunteers who left early this morning to go into military camp at Ngaruawaliia. Mr. G. Daw.stiii presided and a very, jolly spirit prevailed throughout the evening. Alter the singing of the National Aiitlicin.a lively item was provided by the orchestra under the leadership of Mr. S. McDou gall. Ucnmi unity singing conducted by Mr. A. 43". Stevenson proved a very popular item. Mr. Dawson, in his opening remarks said that the gathering was called! to bid farewell to the boys an.dj to,-wish them the best of luck. ilflacli soldier would be presented with a money belt. The.' people of Opotiki wanted them to feel that they were being thought of and to go away with the spirit of Opetiki with them. Mr. Dawson said that it was pleasing to see so many of the R.S.A. men present. He hoped that whir-ii the. soldiers returned they would think only of tlie good times. The toast to the guests of honour was proposed by Mr. E. J. Baigent, president of the H.S.A.. wlm offered; tlie men his heartiest congratulations and best wishes in their great and serious adventure. There was a glorious side to war—a comradeship and spirit not found in civil life aiul friends were found who, would stand lour square behind them. That spirit- still exists among all returned soldiers, continued Mr. Baigent. The men were going to light for a worthy cause and would worthily uphold-the tiaditions of the* New Zealand forces.

• After a song by Mr. j. B. Hodman Lieut. -J. G. Maekav expressed appreciation of himself and tin* six volunteers for the evening' and for the manner in which the toast had been drunk. J4e also expressed the appreciation oi the territorials of the work oi Capt. C. D. Brown and M’rx. Brown. Messrs. Lambic, Hose, Morion. Dobreceny, Wilson and Parkinson all briefly replied Mr. Wilson asked the volunteers to charge their glasses and drink to the* health of; the sponsors ol the evening and 'to the visitors.

A song was given hy Mr. Stevenson after which the chairman took the opportunity of referring to the departure* of another Opotiki boy. Mr. Brian Mansell, who is leaving Irom Tauranga. Tile toast to the Bed ( ross and Vigilance Association was propo-sod by Mr. A. Davies who stated that the association was starting whore they left off at the end of the last war. Mr. Davies expressed the opinion that money collected in Opotiki should be reserved for Opotiki men. Air. H. G. Reeves replied on behali of the Red Cross and Mr. C. Pipe replied on behalf of the Vigilance Association, stating that the men going away couldl rest assured their-interests would he cared for. M lien the Association calls on anyone for help, the speaker hoped they would respond willingly. Further orchestral items were followed hy a humorous broadcast item hy Air. G. Peagram. A toast to Returned Soldiers was pronosed by Lieut. Alackay. the response being*madcj| by Air. J. Mansell, vicepresident of the R.S.A., who snid*that the o.lll! soldiers wished the volunteers a- speedy war and a sale return. 1 he\ would return with many happy memories of pleasant) friendships. The evening concluded with the singing of Aii Id Lang Syne the Aimsoil la iso and the National Anthem.