RONGOKOKAKO

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1941, Page 7

RONGOKOKAKO

FAREWELL GATHERING SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED. I (“Times-Age” Special.) Recently a dance was held in the Rongokokako Hall, when residents and a record number of visitors assembled to bid farewell to Privates J. Sigvertsen and D. Cherry. The chairman of the local Patriotic Society, Mr F. Goggin, welcomed the guests and visitors, the latter including Private Cherry's parents and Private Clarkson, the first local returned soldier of this’war. Mr and Mrs Sigvertsen and Mr and Mrs Cherry, senr., and Miss Hatton, of Featherston, were presented by the members of the Women's Institute with bouquets, buttonholes and shoulder sprays.

Privates Sigvertsen and Cherry were presented with a wristlet watch and wallet each by Mr Goggin, who expressed the hope that it would not be long before both would be welcomed home again. Mr ,1. Mills, on behalf of the Rongokokako factory staff, presented Private J. Sigvertsen with a cigarette case; Mr 11. Littler presented him with an Eversharp pencil on behalf of the Tennis Club, and Mr P. Berry a fountain pen from Hie members of the Nireaha Rifle Club. Both soldiers and parents suitably responded. All soldiers in uniform were presented with cigarettes, for which Corporal Searancke tendered thanks on behalf of the soldiers present. Private Clarkson gave a short but interesting account of his experience abroad, and his talk was warmly applauded.