PRESENTATIONS TO SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 24830, 24 August 1942, Page 4

PRESENTATIONS TO SOLDIERS

EDENDALE. — A social and dance in honour of Sergeant J. Phelan, Lance-Corporal W. McKenzie, and Privates W. Ward, C. Reid and S. White was held in the Edendale HaU on Saturday night. Mr W. M. Findlay, chairman of the Soldiers’ Farewell Committee, introduced the soldiers and Mr T. Hickey made presentations of money and hussifs given by Mrs John Blair. Messrs A. Monaghan and N. Christenson were M.C.’s. ROSLYN BUSH.—A social and presentation in honour of Gunner B. V. Butson and Privates J. F. Leonard and V. Leonard was held in the Roslyn Bush school on Saturday night. Mr W. J- Caldwell presented the soldiers with hold-alls and a sum of money. Mrs J. Hargest and Messrs R. Keir and W. Murphy also spoke, wishing the soldiers the best of luck. THORNBURY.— A large crowfr attended a social in honour of Private A. Miller in the Thombury hall on Saturday night. Mr F. Wohlers was chairman and Mr W. Haywood presented Private Miller with a wallet. Mrs L. Foster made a presentation on behalf of tl.c Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mr R. Cameron also spoke on behalf of the Returned Services’ Association. ISLA BANK.— Tire Isla Bank hall was crowded on Thursday night when a social evening was held in honour of Privates D. Teviotdale and T. Johnstone. Dancing was indulged in to music supplied by Messrs Grieve and Cartwright After supper the chairman, Mr William Young, expressed his pleasure at the large assembly and introduced other speakers. Mr T. P. Johnstone extended the best wishes of the gathering for their welfare and safe return and made the usual gifts to the guests of the evening. Mrs S. Stuart conveyed the good wishes of the W.D.F.U. and presented each with a parcel. Mr J. McConnell spoke on behalf of the R.S.A. and enjoined all soldiers on return to join up with the R.S.A. The soldiers thanked the assembly for their presence and gifts. About 17 visiting soldiers were present and each was presented with cigarettes. Private Spencer, of Makarewa, replied on their behalf

LUMSDEN, A large crowd of friends and relations was present in the R.S.A. Hall, Lumsden, on Saturday evening when Corporal F. Earl and Privates J. Sargisson and W. Hewitson were honoured. Other soldiers including several returned from Suva were present. A presentation was made to the guests and good wishes were extended by Mr P. O’Callaghan, chairman of the Farewell Committee. Messrs A. Heath, C. McKenzie, J. White and Dr L. G. Bell also spoke. A presentation was made by Mr L. Deans to Corporal Earl on behalf of the Mossburn Football Club. The guests of honour replied. SOUTH HILLEND.— A very large crowd was present in the South Hillend Hall on Friday evening to honour Private H. Jenkins. In presenting him with a wristlet watch Mr J- W. Murphy spoke of the popularity of Private Jenkins and expressed on behalf of the residents of South Hillend the wish that he would soon return again to the district. Master W. Kirkwood representing the local school children presented Private Jenkins with a scarf knitted by the children. Mrs W. J. Langford, on behalf of the local W.D.F.U., presented Private Jenkins with knitted articles. Other speakers were Mr W. J- Langford and E. J. Bailey. Private Jenkins suitably replied. Associated with Private Jenkins on the stage during the presentation were eighteen visiting soldiers and these were presented with cigarettes. Private Gordon Stewart replied on their behalf.