FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 December 1942, Page 5

FEATHERSTON

AIR SUCCESSES NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN. (“Times-Age” Special.) Two New Zealad squadrons got kills in recent months, the Torpedo Bomber Squadron, which sank a supply ship off Norway, and the former Hurricane night-fighter squadron, now flying one of the latest types of fighters, which shot down its first Hun over the English Channel. ■ Flying Officer J. J. Richardson of Oamaru, Flight Sergeants B. A. McKenzie of Featherston, and A. A. Hyde of Rotorua, and Sergeant G. A. Gaskill, of Opotiki, were the crew of a Hampden torpedo-bbmber which sighted a German ’supply ship. Flying Officer Richardson was about to attack when Sergeant Gaskill, rear-gunner, called out that two Junkers 88 were following up. Flying Officer Richards disregarded the warning and made his run, the torpedo hitting the ship amidships. “The sides of the ship appeared to swell between the funnel and the stern. When they couldn’t swell any more they burst,” said Sergeant Gaskill. “After the explosion half of the ship was hidden by a mass of white foam in which black smoke, and possibly bits of the ship, were mixed up.” After the attack the New Zealanders shook off the Junkers, found cover in the clouds and then based safely. It is little over a month ago since the torpedo bomber squadron scored its first success off Egersund, Norway. - CHRISTMAS PARTY KAHUTARA WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. A most enjoyable time was spent in the Kahutara Hall when a Christmas tree party, organised by the Kahutara Women’s Institute, was held., There was a large attendance of visitors, parents and children, who were welcomed by the president, Mrs Hood, Senr. The children presented three plays, “The Old Woman in the Shoe,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Alphabet.” The Karitane nurses staged a playette entitled “The Lighthouse Keeper.” Vocal items were given by Mrs Connell, Miss Beverly Sutherland and Miss Thelma Himoana, and recitations by Messrs H. Graham and Clive Benton. A delightful feature was the carol singing by the children, the accompaniments being played by Mrs Pound. Miss Collins played the music for the other vocal items. Mrs Sadler played “Jingle Bells” and then Father Christmas was piped in by Piper Stalker. Gifts from a well-laden Christmas tree were distributed to the children. The children were given supper and the adults indulged in dancing. The Christmas cake was won by Joan Siemonek. A vote of thanks was passed on the motion of Mr A. C. Pearce to those who had assisted to make the gathering such a success. Personal Items. The funeral of the late Mrs Annie Martha Mutter took place at the Featherston cemetery yesterday afternoon. 1 The Rev J. W. C. Mutter and the Rev J. R. Higgs conducted the services at St John’s Church and at the graveside. The pall-bearers were Messrs S. Brooker, F. S. Hayes, S. Kilsby, F. C. Clarke, B. Jowett and T. Lang. Among others, wreaths were forwarded by the staff of the Featherston School, St John's Church and the Women’s Fellowship. The late Mrs Mutter’ leaves a husband and family .of four, Mrs S. Brooker (Wellington), Misses N. D. A. and M. K. Mutter and the Rev J. W. C. Mutter (Eketahuna). Mrs Nisbett has left the district to take up her residence in Hamilton. Nurse Kerr is spending a holiday in Whangarei. Mrs T. Tilson, Te Kope, Palliser Bay, is the guest of Mrs G. S. Sharp. COSY THEATRE “CANAL ZONE.” There will be two big features shown tonight at the Cosy Theatre. “Canal Zone” is a thrilling story of the air in which Chester Morris, Harriet Hilliard and John Hubbard have the principal roles. “Emergency Landing” tells of the daredevil work of a pilot and and stubborn attitude of a spoiled woman. Carol Hughes, Betty Lambert and Forrest Tucker are in the film.