GIFTS TO SOLDIERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 19, 2 November 1940, Page 4

GIFTS TO SOLDIERS.

PRESENTATIONS AT ASHBURTON.

RETURNED MEN ENTERTAIN. Members of the Army of 1940 were entertained at the Ashburton Returned Soldiers’ Club last evening by men of the Great War, 1914-18. Returned soldiers spoke in terms of highest praise of the young men Avho Avere folloAving in their fathers’ footsteps, and wished them God-speed and a safe and early return.

The president (Mr E. ,|M. Gabites) presided. Dr. J. Connor (Deputy-Mayor), addressing the men, said that the old soldiers were present to do honour to the young men. He wished them the A'ery best of luck and a safe return. Dr.. Connor then proposed the health of the guests, and made a presentation to each on behalf of the Borough and the Red Cross Society.

The guests Avere Sapper N. K. Cal-der,-Privates H. McGregor, J. Garriock, G. R. Alien, W. P. Houston, F. Horgan and B. Timmings. An apology Avas received from Private D. R. Hodgson. Each man present responded briefly to the toast. The County’s Tribute. The chairman of the Ashburton County Council (Mr S. P. Taylor) said that the men of the fighting forces represented a fine type of young New Zealander. He expressed the County’s appreciation of their patriotic spirit and said that tho people remaining behind Avould continue to play their part. The Avomen of New'Zealand, too, Avere taking up their burden and also doing a great deal of Avork for the troops. Mr Taylor paid a special tribute to the men of the Royal Air Force Noav Zealand men, he said, were living right up to the fine and great traditions of their elders. It behoved all those left behind to look after the men and to prepare for their return. He added a compliment to the men of the old Army for the interest they were taking in those of the new Army, and to the president for’ the work the Ashburton R.S.A. Avas doing. The vice-president of tho Association (Mr W. G. Welsh) said that he hoped the boys Avoukl make the most of tho fine education they would receive on their travels. The older men, he said, AA'onld keenly like to go too. HoAvever, the young men Avould help to swell tho greatest brotherhood in the Avorld—the men Avho fought for their country in time of Avar. During the evening a number of items were given.

■ ■ i PRESENTATION AT LYNNFORD. A very enjoyable and well-attended dance Avas held in. aid of patriotic funds, in Mr G, E. Moore’s shed recently. Privates E. L. Noble, A. C. Samuels, W. T. Prendergast and DriA r er F. J. Horgan AA'ere lentertained. On behalf of the residents of Hinds and Lynnford Mr C. Chi snail presented Private Noble with a medal and parcel, and Privates Samuels and Pnendorgast and Dmer iHorgan with parcels. Reference Avas made to Private K. Robertson, an old Lynnford bov and late resident, aa t lio Avill be presented Avith a medal andl parcel later. Mr J. Davidsom proposed a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs G. E. Moore for the use of their shed, and Mrs Moore was presented with a spray. Novelty dances’ Avere Won by Miss McKie and Mr R. Reddecliffei and Mrs Kennedy and Mr. G. McQuilkin. Music for the dance Avas supplied by the Coldstream Harmonica Band, and Mr E. Parsons Avas M.C.