“GOD SPEED”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1941, Page 6

“GOD SPEED”

SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED DINNER AT MIDLAND. DEFENCE OF LIFE'S IDEAL. With a dinner at the Hotel Midland, last evening Masterton officially, but quite informally, wished God Speed, success and a safe return to district members of the Fifth Reinforcements of the N.Z.E.F. The deputy-Mayor. Mr W. White, presided over a gathering , whose brightness and informality were warmly appreciated by the guests of honour. Mr White proposed the toast of “The King” and the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich gave that of "His Majesty’s Forces." Lieutenant G. S. Brash replied for the forces. Archdeacon Rich said he hoped each man would keep in mind the ideal for which he fought. It was for a purpose about which we did not speak. Everything that made life as we knew it, worth while, was at stake and it was to do their bit in defending this way of life that the British had taken up arms. He had served in the ranks in the last war, Mr Rich, said. He had risen in four years to the rank of corporal. The men in the ranks, he knew by experience, were the backbone of the army; it was on them that the burden fell. Archdeacon Rich urged the men to act cn the words which were on the grave of Captain Scott and his men, in the Antarctic: "To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield." Speaking as one of the old Diggers greeting the new, and on behalf of the Masterton Borough and County. Archdeacon Rich wished the men God Speed, success and a speedy return home. Lieutenant Brash said the Fifth Reinforcements would be satisfied if they could maintain the record and traditions of the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force which had gone before. An impersonation of Popeye the Sailor was given by Private W. J.' Butler. who was warmly applauded. Mr R. Russell made a presentation, on behalf of K. Squadron. Legion of Frontiersmen, to Private N. Sutherland. Soldiers had a busy time autographing menus—-mementoes of a genial gathering by which they will remem-1 ber Masterton in days to come.