EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1940, Page 7

EKETAHUNA

ACHILLES HEROES REUNION AT SCHOOL. (“Times-Age” Special.) The pupils of the Secondary Department of the Eketahuna District High School, were treated to a memorable entertainment yesterday afternoon, when they experienced a reunion with two old pupils, now members of the crew of H.M.S. Achilles. Graeme Dawson and Munroe Ramsay, who entered the Secondary Department in 1934 and 1936 respectively, again mingled with the scholars, signing autograph books, explaining badges, and forming the centres of intensely interested groups of boys and girls. Two photographs on the wall, depicted the two sailors in their classes a few years ago. The children had brought a very plentiful afternoon tea, which, served by the senior girls, was much enjoyed. especially as the weather was so wet. Later in-the afternoon, Mr W. J. Henderson, acting headmaster, explained that the gathering was also for another purpose, that of saying farewell to Mrs Sayle-Reed, who was leaving Ihe staff for a position in Wairoa. He paid tribute to the very good work done by Mrs Sayle-Reed, especially as commercial teacher, and pointed out the number of positions recently gained by pupils in the offices of the town.

Phyllis Curtis then presented The guest With a handsome writing-case, pen and eversharp pencil. Two interesting books were added her little boy. These gifts were on behalf of the staff, old and present pupils. Mrs Sayle-Reed thanked the donors very much for the presents, stating that she had had a very happy time on the staff and among the pupils.

SOCIAL EVENING VISITING SAILORS ENTERTAINED. Last night the Eketahuna R.S.A. were the hosts at a complimentary social in honour of the visiting seamen of H.M.S. Achilles in the Oddfellows’ Hall. There was a big muster of returned men present, over which Mr M. Morriss, vice-president, presided. Mr Morriss extended a hearty welcome to the visitors and called on Colonel Herbert to propose their health. Mr Herbert said that the Eketahuna R.S.A. was both proud and pleased to welcome the lads of the Achilles and he hoped later on in the evening the visitors would recount some of their experiences in the fight with the Graf Spec. The toast was most enthusiastically honoured. Then followed an interesting hour, during which Stoker G. Dawson gave an outline of lhe activities in the stokehold during the action. LeadingStoker J. Gallagher, who, during the action, assisted with feeding a gun. gave a vivid account of the battle. Seaman M. Ramsay gave his impressions of being inside a gun turret during the action, and Signaller Jolly spoke of activities on the Signal Deck. All the men were most modest in telling of the part they played, but all were loud in their praise of Captain Parry, both as an officer, and as a seaman.

The chairman thanked the guests for thir interesting talks. Mr A. Golder proposed the toast of the Air Force. He said that they had with them that night a member of the Air Force, Corporal Owen Dawson. Other toasts honoured were “The Parents,” proposed by Mr T. Hancock, responded to by Messrs W. Dawson. A. Ramsay and L. Christensen (who has three sons now serving with the forces);’"South African Veterans;” proposed by Mr B. McAlister, responded to by Messrs M. Herbert, J. Renment and R. Watters.

The following contributed much appreciated items during the evening:-— Messrs R. Watters, B. McAlister, Stoker J. Gallagher. H. Baillie. Mr V. Liadet presided at the piano. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne” brought a most enjoyable and interesting evening to a close. Personal. Mrs W. V. Richardson and her two infant sons are visiting Wellington.' Corporal Owen Dawson, of the Air Force, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs W. Dawson, Bridge Street. Mr C. Le Fevre. Ormondville, at one time in charge of the Eketahuna police district, was a visitor to Nireaha this week. He was accompanied by Mrs Le Fevre. At the Newman School dance held on Wednesday night the competitions for the mat and cake were completed. These were won by Messrs E. Goss and B. Lappan respectively. The death has occurred at Pahiatua of Mr Henry Leach, an old and highly respected resident of the All'redton district. Charge of Theft. At a special scitting of the Eketahuna S.M. Court yesterday, before Mr J. S. Tripe. J.P., Gordon Willingham was charged with the theft of £5O. the property of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. On the application of the police a remand was granted for one week. Cricket. The Eketahuna cricket team to play< Mangamaire at Eketahuna tomorrow is: as follows: —H. Higginson leapt), F. Robinson. P. Payne, E. Francois. A. Rowden, B. Anderson. W. Leith. D. Thompson, P. Holford, R. Hornblow, R. Holford. The same team will represent Eketahuna against Gallichan's XI at Palmerston North on Sunday at 10.30 a.m.