ARARIMU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 421, 25 October 1918, Page 3

ARARIMU

WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIER A most enjoyable dance and social evening was held at Ararimu last Friday evening, the same being tendered* by his many friends as a welcome home to Private Garrett Keaney, who has just returned invalided from the front. Refreshments, ample and varied, wers provided by the ladies of the district. During the evening Mr Markham and Mr Robinson spoke a few words of welcome to Private Keaney, both assuring him that his friends were deeply sensible of the noble part he played by volunteering for service, of the sacrifices he had made, and of the hardships he had endured during the two years he was at the front. Thoy wished him a speedy restoration to health and strength and prosperity in the futurePrivate Keaney suitably but modestly replied. He appealed to all to do everything in their power for the men still on duty by way of parcels and comforts for the winter months, such gifts he could tell them being always very welcome and necessary. Private Keaney had nearly two years on active seryice. He went through the Somme, Messines and Passchendale battles without a scratch, but was wounded twice in quick succession whilst the New Zeaianders were assisting to stop the German advance last April. A disabled left arm on the second occasion put him completely out of action, and necessitated his return home. He nobly did his duty and is entitled to his country's gratitude.