EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1943, Page 5

EKETAHUNA

4 ENJOYABLE DANCE PRESENTATIONS TO SOLDIERS. (“Times-Age” Special.) On Wednesday evening the citizens of Eketahuna filled the Odd Fellows’ Hall when Privates Noel Payne and Cecil Toohill were the guests of honour. The hall was gaily decked with bunting, the Star Spangled Banner having a very prominent place in the decorative scheme as a gesture to three visiting members of the U.S.M.C., P.F.C’s. Robert G. Endre, Gerald Gore and James L. Maxson, who, fresh from the Solomons, are spending convalescent leave at the home of Mr and Mrs J. E. J. Monaghan, Newmanr. The Mayor, Mr W. Olsen, in welcoming “our American cousins,” paid tribute to the magnificent showing of the American forces in the Pacific, and each Marine in turn replied in glowing terms of the “swell” hospitality of the New Zealand people. In making the presentation of wellfilled wallets to Privates Payne and Toohill, the Mayor expressed the sincere hope that good luck would attend them wherever they were called to serve, and that the time would not be far distant when they would return to become once more good citizens of Eketahuna. Miss M. Anderson then presented Victorian posies of rose-beds and carnations to Mesdames Payne and Toohill, mothers of the guests, and to the guests themselves knitted comforts on behalf of the borough ladies’ soldiers’ comforts committee. Privates Payne and Toohill suitably replied. As is the custom on these occasions, the Mayoress then presented cigarettes to all visiting servicemen who during the main presentations lined the back of the hall. The ladies’ committee served a dainty savoury supper. The orchestra, under the able leadership of Mr A. Rowden, with Miss M. Smith at the piano, and Mr Thompson (saxophone) provided excellent music throughout. A Monte Carlo waltz, which proved a very popular number, ended in final victory for Mrs J. Kendall and Mr W. Braddick. Mr J. R. Wakelin was a capable M.C. A very enjoyable gathering ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the playing of the National Anthem and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Personal Items. Mr A. O. Coad, Wellington, is the guest of Mr and Mrs R. Payne, Alfredton Road. Mr E. Goodban, a. former resident of Eketahuna, is on a short visit here.