EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1939, Page 7

EKETAHUNA

RONGOMAI GATHERING SOLDIERS FAREWELLED BY SETTLERS. (“Times-Age” Special.) The Rongomai Schoolroom was packed on .Wednesday night when the settlers gathered to bid farewell to the first contingent of special service volunteers from the district. Mr A. J. Perry extended a hearty .welcome to those present and called on Colonel A. H. Herbert, president of the local branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, to address the soldiers whicn he did. Mr Frank White, of Tane, made presentations of a safety razor, a pair of sox, and a well-bound diary to each soldier. Mr White stated that it had been his privilege to present each soldier who had left the district during the last war, with a token of esteem, but he did not then think that he would officiate in the same capacity a few years later. The guests of the evening, Privates Oliver Evans, Ivor Fulton, and Karl Gustofsen suitably returned thanks. Mr D. Gustofsen, on behalf of the parents of the soldiers thanked the settlers for their kind action in providing a send-off for their sons. Dr. Paterson, of Pahiatua, spoke in humorous vein, wishing the guests the best of luck and a safe return. All three soldiers were ex-pupils of the Eketahuna District High School. The M's.C. were Messrs J. Evans and M. Tomlinson. The music was supplied by Mrs Roach and Dryden Thompson. A home-made supper was provided by the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union.

Personal Items. Mr and Mrs M. Drysdale, of Wanganui, are visiting relatives for the holidays. Mr and Mrs J. Booth, of Parkville, will leave today on a visit to Masterton. Mrs H. Duff, of Hastings, has been on a visit to her father, Mr G. A. Farmer, and hel’ sister, Mrs Gallagher, Liverpool House. Miss Grade Gallagher has left to spend the holidays with relatives in Hastings. Mr and Mrs H. Kendall, Lower Hutt, are on a visit to the former's mother. The following guests are staying at the Liverpool House: Mr and Mrs Lennie (Hutt), Mr and Mrs Spurdie (Wellington), Miss Peggy Blackie (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Priest and daughter (Wellington). The latter being relatives of Mr Mangus Priest, of Eketahuna. Miss Avis Wade, of Kati Kali, Bay of Plenty, is on a visit to friends in Woodville and will probably spend a few days in Eketahuna after the holidays. ______