FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1940, Page 7

FEATHERSTON

FIRE BRIGADE MONTHLY MEETING. ("Times-Age” Special.) The monthly' meeting of the Featherston Volunteer Fire Brigade was held this week, Supt. Tidswell presiding. Accounts totalling £2 15s 8d were passed. Deputy-Supt. Boston was appointed delegate to the Easter Conference. T. McKenna was elected as a messenger of the brigade. Supt. Tidswell presented DeputySupt. Boston with a 1-year bar. De-puty-Supt. Boston has completed 13 years' service, and his work for the brigade was very highly spoken of by Supt. Tidswell. Deputy-Supt. Boston suitably replied. Fireman R. O’Keefe tendered his resignation as a member of the brigade on account of his leaving Featherston to take up duties in Carterton. The resignation was accepted with regret as Mr O’Keefe was a very promising member of the Brigade. He was thanked for the services he had rendered whilst a member of the brigade.

MEN OF H.M.S. ACHILLES WELCOME ON RETURN HOME. Last night in the Anzac Hall there was a large attendance of citizens to welcome Chief Petty Petty Officer L. Hood, O.D. Seaman James Kane and Seaman Maidment, of H.M.S. Achilles, who are on leave after their victorious battle with the Graf Spee. / Mr N. C. C. Shepherd (Patriotic Society) welcomed the men, expressing the greatest admiration for their deed, and stating that he was sure that nothing of a similar nature or even appoaching it had occurred during the Great War. Mr Shepherd concluded by' wishing the men a safe and speedy return home, and hoped that the next time they met would be at a welcome ■of victory. He also congratulated Chief Petty Officer Hood on his decoration. The meeting closed with the singing of “God Defend New Zealand.” An apology for absence was received from the Mayor, Mr J. W. Card, who is attending the Municipal Conference in Wellington. Following the departure of the Patriotic members, the R.S.A. carried on the programme, Mr Robbins occupying the chair, Apologies for absence were received from Messrs D. H. S. Riddiford, W. Phillips, G. Gain. H. Lawson and H. Holland.

Mr Robbins, in extending a welcome to the sailors, spoke briefly of the splendid work done by the Navy both during the last war and in the present conflict. He referred to the way in which they had in the last war taken New Zealanders in safety to the various theatres of war. The Navy was greatly admired by the "Diggers.” Petty Officer Hood gave an interesting description of the Graf Spee fight, as also did Messrs Kane and Maidment. During the evening songs were given by Messrs K. Allen, Kay. Collett. Goulden and Hemmingston. Mr J. Beech was the pianist. The toast list was as follows: "The King,” proposed by the chairman, Mr Robbins; “Local members of the ship’s company, H.M.S. Achilles," proposed by Mr Robbins; “Parents of our sailor guests," proposed by Mr F. S. Hayes; replied to by the members of the crew; “Fighting Forces, air, sea and land." proposed b.y Mr N. C. C. Shepherd.

CROQUET HAUNUI CLUB GAMES. On Tuesday, in a match for the Riddiford Cup. played by members of the Haunui Croquet Club. Miss Esme Card won both lives, beating Mrs Barry 26/8. 26/12. Mrs Barry and Mrs Hankers played off for runner-up. Mrs Hankers beating Mrs Barry 26/20. 26/12. There was a good attendance at the Haunui euchre party held on Tuesdaynight. Results are as follow: —Mrs Cross 1, Mrs Worsley 2; Mr "Scoggins 1. Mr Rae 2. Personal. Mrs W. Lockhart and Mrs Arthur Mills, of Dunedin, are visitors to Featherston and are the guests of Mr and Mrs J. B. Davis.