SOCIAL EVENING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1943, Page 2

SOCIAL EVENING

MASTERTON HOME GUARD UNIT.

GATHERING IN FORESTERS’ HALL.

In the Foresters’ Hall, Masterton, last night, an enjoyable time was spent when the Browning machine gun platoon entertained as their guests No. 1 Platoon of the former A Company of the Masterton Home Guard Battalion, and the former platoon commander, now Driver Ernest Heyder, recently returned from service with the Second N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East. PilotOfficer Porter, R.N.Z.A.F., was also a guest.

Amongst others an apology for absence was received from Mr. L. B. Maunsell, officer commanding the Machine Gun Platoon.

Mr. M. Winslade presided and he extended a welcome to the guests, which included Pilot Officer Graham.

In proposing a toast to Driver Heyder, Mr. D. E. Lyttle said that in addition to a splendid war record in the 1914-18 war, Mr. Heyder was a member of the National Military Reserve, and then became platoon commander of No. 1 Platoon, A Company. It was a platoon consisting entirely of returned men, said Mr. Lyttle, and they were all proud to be associated with Mr. Heyder. Driver Heyder referred to his happy and useful association with the Home Guard and gave several interesting anecdotes arising from his service in the Middle East.

The valuable assistance which had been received from the Air Force through L.A.C. Friend and later PilotOfficer Porter, was referred to. Pilot Officer Porter, it was stated, was an efficient and exceedingly helpful officer. The untiring efforts of Mr. Lyttle were eulogised, and a special toast was proposed to him, together with Mr. H. Nuttall. The work of Mr. Lyttle and his assistants was responsible for the excellent arrangements and the success Ox the gathering. Musical items contributed by Mr. D. Cooper, Sergeant P. Hancock, R.N.Z.A.F., and H. Parsons and communitv singing were enjoyed.