SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 August 1940, Page 7

SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED

AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING. Although the weather was wet there was a large attendance at the King’s Theatre last night when nine Carterton soldiers who are among those on leave from dht Third Echelon, were enter|'taine«. The Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner, presided, and associated with him on the stage was the Member for Wairarapa, Mr B. Roberts. The Mayor said it was pleasing indeed to see such a large attendance. He said that the people of Carterton were proud of the local soldiers. He had no hesitation in saying they would do their duty nobly and would worthily follow in the footsteps of those gallant soldiers who saw service in the 1914-18 war.

The Carterton Savage Club rendered a very fine programme as follows: — Orchestral selection, Savage Club: vocal solo, Savage M. Ardrey; concert party, “Miles of Smiles” and “Old King Cole”; sketch. “In the Midst of Life,” Savages Taylor and Rooney; vocal solo, “There’ll Always be an England,” Savage D. Irwin; violin solo, Savage T. Udy; vocal quartette, Savages P. L. Darke, W. Thomas. H. T. Leete, D. Irwin.

Mr B. Roberts, M.P. fol- Wairarapa, and Mr A. T. Murray, chairman of the Carterton branch of the R.S.A., also briefly addressed the gathering. “At no time in the history of the British Empire has so great a responsibility rested upon us,” stated Mr B. Roberts. “Upon Britain and the British Empire now rests the future of all democratic peoples. Poland, Finland, Holland, Denmark, Belgium and France have gone, leaving Britain and the Empire as the remaining bulwark. In answering the call of the Empire our men are the defenders of democracy and. freedom. We shall win because the race goes not to the swiftest, nor the battle to the strongest, but to those who endure to the end. Endurance is the chief characteristic of the British people. But we must all do our bit and develop the will and power to win the war. We commend our young citizens here tonight who have heard the call of the Empire, and in congratulating them, wish them God Speed and a safe return.”

The Mayor then called upon Mrs Taverner to make presentations to the following: Sergeant P. Paaske, LanceCorporal L. W. Liddington, Sapper A. P. Hayes, Privates F. Corlet, W. P. Foster, J. Horden R. P. Salisbury, C, R. Walker, and J. B. Sewell. Private F. L. N. Archer also received a present from the Clareville committee. Mrs H. E. Ordish, president of the Division of the Farmers’ Union, then addressed the soldiers regarding what was being done by memprs of the Division in knitting comxlrts for the soldiers. Mrs H. Hodder each soldier a parcel of knitted £oods. Three hearty cheers were given for the soldiers. On behalf of the soldiers Sergeant Paaske thanked the people of Carterton for their gifts and the ladies of the Women's Division for the knitted articles.

The floor was then cleared for dancing. the music being supplied by Udy’s Orchestra. Supper was provided by a strong ladies’ committee.