THIRD ECHELON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21190, 13 August 1940, Page 2

THIRD ECHELON

CAMBRIDGE MEN HONOURED TOWN HALL CROWDED (Special to Tliiies) CAMBRIDGE, Monday The Town Hall was crowded on Saturday night when a dance was organised by the Cambridge Patriotic Committee. There were fully 600 people present, including 60 members of the eehelon. As the men marched into the hall for the official ceremony there was prolonged cheering. A guard of honour was formed by a large number of returned soldiers as well as one returned sister, Miss Swayne. The regard and respect for the men of the third echelon was expressed by the deputy-mayor, Mr A. H. Nicoll. He referred to the debt owing to the men who fought in the Great War 25 years ago. He was confident that the young men of today would worthily follow in their fathers’ footsteps. Mr Nicoll wished the men the best of good luck and a safe return. He apologised for the absence of the area officer, Major W. H. Allen, and the Mayor, Mr Edgar James, who was prevented from attending by illness in his family. A most appropriate reply on behalf of the men was made by Captain R. R. Atkinson. He said he was sure that the third echelon would uphold the high traditions. The engraved wallets presented to them would be very useful, but they would not be needed to keep memories of Cambridge fresh in the minds of the men. Their motto would be that of the men who fought a quarter of a century ago: “ Fear God and honour the King.” On behalf of the Returned ‘ Soldiers’ Association, the president, Mr R. Newcombe, joined in wishing the men the best of luck. He reminded those at home of their duty.to write frequently to the men on active service. The Cambridge Men The men who received the engraved wallets were:—L. H. L. Annett, R. R. Atkinson, B. Banks, W. Banks, A. D. Buckingham, L. M. Buckingham, S. H. Barrett, R. C. Barrett, R. G. Bradley, C. Canty, F. L. Colvin, K. J. Coulter, M. C. Cooper, K. W. Conder, O A. de Ville, C. V. Duignan, H. V. Duignan, V. East, S. B. Epps, C. G. Epps, A. J. Fell, A. W. Fell, M. Gane, L. F. Hamerton, W. F. Hubbard, E. T. Hunt, R. G. James, S. D. Johnston, W. B. Jones.

G. Leeson, E. C. Keyte, H. Kirkman, A. M. B. Lenton, A. A. Lockett, R. G. Leeder, R. Livesey, F. J. Mackie, J. McKinley, A. D. McKenzie, R. R. Middlemiss, D. H. A. Middleton, S. V. Millan, S. Nicholson, A. J. J. Partridge. D. J. Pentelow, R. J. Porter, A. R. Pulford, P. Randle, T. Ruge, W. J. Smith, S. Snelling, F. T. Stites, W. R. Sutherland, T. Tairi, O. W. S. Thompson, A. J. Trubshaw, J. S. Thom, G. F. Walker, M. A. Wilson, W. Wood. The 60 men embrace members of nearly every department of the forces. TE AROHA SEND-OFF (Special to Times) TE AROKA, Monday • In spite or heavy rain, nearly 30u people gathered at the Te Aroha railway station this afternoon to farewell the soldiers of the Third Echelon returning from leave. In view of the weather conditions it was decided to abandon the parade through the town, but the Te Aroha silver ' Band gathered at tne station to add its ' tribute to the men. Nearly 5u soldiers boarded the train, the remainder, about i's, will leave by the later train this evening. The deputy-. Mayor, .Mr G. Hedge, In wishing the soldiers Godspeed, said Te Aroha was proud or them. Some were the sons or men who rougbt in the Great War or 1911-1918. He congratulated the men upon having Joined the forces and wished them all a safe return. Mr W. C. Kennedy, chairman of the Plako county Council, endorsed the remarks made by Mr Hedgp and said everyone realised that the Job ahead was ~a man s Job. He had no doubt that these lads would do It to the credit of themselves and their country. Mr N. G. McLeod, on behalf of the Returned soldiers’ Association, wished the men all the best of luck and said that all had b»*en elected honorary members or the association. He hoped that when they returned Uiey would all become active members. In the meantime, the Returned Soldiers' Association was taking in hand schemes Tor the rehabilitation or the returned inen. Lieutenant P. Gilchrist, on behalf of the soldiers, said they wished to thank the Te Aroha people for the wonderful hospitality shown during their leave. As the train drew out the band plaved “Auld Lang >yne.”