EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1943, Page 5

EKETAHUNA

ANZAC DAY SERVICE SPEECH BY MR JORDAN. (“Times-Age” Special.) Anzac Day in Eketahuna vzas marked by extremely boisterous weather, accompanied by heavy squalls of rain. In spite of these adverse conditions, a large number of people attended the service in the picture theatre, the accommodation being fully taxed.

A parade of ex-servicemen was held, and accompanied by units of the Home Guard under Captain 0. Walton, W.W.S. Auxiliary, commanded by Miss Watts, Girl Guides with Mrs Campbell Raleigh, and Boy Scouts and Cubs under Scoutmaster Trimm, marched to the Theatre, where a commemorative service was held. The Mayor, Mr VI. Olsen, presided, and the service was taken by the Revs. Mutter and Utting. The address delivered by Mr T. Jordan, Mayor of Masterton, was inspiring. Taking as his main theme the question, “What manner of men were these we seek to honour?” the speaker turned back the pages of history and quoted the thoughts of prominent leaders of the Great War period. Mr Jordan paid an eloquent tribute to the men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F., and concluded a very fine address with an exhortation to his audience to be ever worthy of the sacrifices made by our men in two Great Wars.

The music throughout was rendered by the local orchestra, led by Mr Paul Bouzaid. At the conclusion of the service the parade reformed and marched to the War Memorial, where wreaths were placed. “The Last Post,” sounded by Bugler R. Cooper, brought the ceremony to an end.

Ex-Service Men Entertained. Ex-Service men and their families were entertained by Mrs McAnulty, the president, and the members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union at the conclusion of the Anzac Day Parade in Eketahuna. This gathering, which originated during the days of the Great War, has been held annually without exception, and forms a striking tribute to the ladies of the district who have apparently never forgotten the soldiers who left Eketahuna for the Great War. A large and appreciative muster of R.S.A. members attended. During the function vocal items were rendered by Miss M. Wilson and Mrs Fettes, Mrs Gyde several elocutionary items, and Mr Dick Walters gave two popular recitations. Miss Wilson and Miss Spurdie played the accompaniment. Soldier choruses were sung by the R.S.A. male choir under the baton of Mi’ T. Han-! cock, Putara, Miss Russell providing' the music.

Afternoon tea was dispensed and the ex-Service men received a packet of cigarettes each, a present reminiscent of their soldier days. Mr A. B. Fordyce expressed on behalf of the guests their thanks and appreciation of the kindness extended to them.

Personal Items. Mr Colin Hansen, of Eketahuna, was a recent visitor to Masterton. Miss Joan Farquar, of Eketahuna, was a visitor to Masterton for the Mills—lrving wedding. Mr and Mrs Chew, Johnsonville, who have been the guests of Mrs W. Jones, Alfredton Road, .have returned home. Mrs Stacey Rowe, Auckland, is the guest of her parents, Mr and Mrs J. Baillie, Macara Street. Mrs Shaw, Nelson, is the guest of Mrs Harold Baillie, Newman Road. Miss Spurdie, Wellington, is the guest of Mrs Spurdie, Stanley Street. Mr Maurice Carter is the guest of Mr and Mrs A. S. Carter, Anderson Street. Mi’ J. G. Priest, Nelson, and Mr and Mrs J. A. Priest, and Mr Jamieson, Wellington, are staying with Mr M. Priest at Liverpool House. Mrs Kitcat and Miss Clodagh Kitcat are the guests of Mrs F. C. Turnor, Waiwaka.