MEN ON FURLOUGH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1943, Page 2

MEN ON FURLOUGH

ENTERTAINED BY R.S.A. GATHERING IN MASONIC HALL. TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALANDERS’ FIGHTING QUALITIES. About four hundred and fifty returned soldiers from all parts of the Wairarapa gathered in the Masonic Hall, Masterton, last night, to welcome district soldiers on furlongh from the Middle East. Mr H. J. Brass, president of the WairarapA R.S.A., was in the chair. Wing-Commander Burrell, R.N.Z.A.F., and two soldiers from England were among those present. An apology for absence was received from Leutenant Keith Eliott, V.C. In welcoming the men on furlough. Mr. Brass said New Zealanders in the Navy, the Army, the Air Force and the Merchant Navy had made a name for themselves by their endurance, courage and bravery. The old “Diggers” were proud of the new generation of the fighting forces. The old “Diggers” were more inclined to take a keener interest in the Army which could be well understood. In the early stages of the war they had watched with anxiety the affairs of the Division. The Division could hold its own with any troops in the world and it now had the right equipment for the job. Mr. Brass wished the men a happy holiday and good luck in the future. Mr. R. Whyborn endorsed Mr. Brass's remarks. He paid a tribute to the work of the womenfolk in New Zealand who had rallied round and taken on the men’s jobs while they were away. The farmers had done splendid work in maintaining production. Items were contributed by Mr. H. B. Keenan, Aircraftman Ron' Gilbert, and Mr. Harry Hall. Flight-Sergeant T. Kirk-Burnand gave some interestingpersonal experiences during the Libyan campaign, and spoke of the work of the Kiwi Concert Party. Aircraftman Gilbert sang “The Kiwis on Parade,” a swinging tune composed by Flight Sergeant Kirk-Burnand. A period of silence was observed at 9 o'clock.