SOLDIERS’ SOCIALS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 41, 28 November 1940, Page 2

SOLDIERS’ SOCIALS

MEN FROM THE BOROUGH.

CIVIC FUNCTION LAST NIGHT.

GOOD WISHES EXPRESSED. The good wishes of the people of Ashburton while the men are overseas were expressed to a number of Borough soldiers who wore guests at a function at the Radiant Hall last evening, when gifts were presented to them. The Mayor (Dr. J. Connor) presided over the first section of the evening, the remainder of the time being devoted to the weekly community sing in aid of the patriotic funds. The Mayor had with him Mrs A. N. Grigg (representing Captain A. N. Grigg, M.P.). The hall was filled and the men were given a very hearty reception. The Mayor thanked the organisers of the community sing for the opportunity of working in the function to the soldiers. The idea was an excellent one. The people were there that night to do honour to a further batch of citizens who were in khaki. These men could not be allowed to go away without the town wishing them good luck and a safe return. “We know that wherever these men serve they will give as good an account of themselves as New Zealand soldiers of the past,” said Dr. Connor. “The reputation of the New Zealand soldier overseas stands very high, not only as a fighter but also as a gentleman, and I know the soldiers here this evening will retain that reputation.” When the men went overseas it. * would not all be fighting and hard work for them. They would have a lot of good fun, as well as seeing new countries, new peoples, new scenes, and they would make new friends. The Mayor went on to refer to Ashburton people who were doing so much good work on behalf of the patriotic funds, members of the patriotic committees, and those who were organising the community sings. Mi A. C. Wilson, leader of the sings, was a host in himself, and everyone turned to him to help. (Applause.) Welcome Would Be Ready.

The Mayor wished the soldiers the best of luck and the best of times overseas. He wished he could say that the people would see them back soon, but it looked as if the war was going to be a long struggle. Nevertheless, when the men came back the people would be ready to give them a great welcome.

“I. am very grateful for this chance to say good-luck to the men who arc going overseas,” said Mrs Grigg. “We all know they will be fighting in a very good cause, against evil things. Europe may seem a long way from here, but •it is not right that hundreds of thousands of .people should be living in misery and despair. Our boys are going away to rectify that, to fight and destroy one man’s power to create misery.” No one know who the soldiers would be up against Mrs Grigg added. If it was against the Germans, they would remember that every bully had a' yellow streak. If it was against the Italians—well, they were good at running, for the first great marathon she had ever heard of was won by an Italian! “If there is anything I can do, come and ask me,” said Mrs Grigg, speaking to the wives and mothers of soldiers. “Don’t hesitate. It won’t worry me for a minute. If I can help, let me know. I know how you must feel. In that way I would know that I was helping in some measure.” To the soldiers, Mrs Grigg said: “We will keep going while you are away. If you can stick it, we can stick it; so 'don’t worry about us here. We will bo right behind you all the way way.” In a recent letter her husband (Captain A. N. Grigg, M.P.) had said that Hitler had lost his one chance of invading England, and the letter had added : “England may be battered with bombs, but she will always belong to Englishmen.” (Applause.) The people of Ashburton were very proud of their soldiers now, Mrs Grigg concluded, and she knew they wopld be prouder still of them later on. Presentations Made. Orders for gifts for the men were handed to the following men by Mrs Grigg, each one also receiving a parcel from the Red Cross Society through Mrs F. Curtis: P. Barker, J. Wesley, A. G. McLachlan, H. F. Ross, R. E. Greav.es, G. A. K. Kelly, J. H. Tonks, E. A. Aston, D. Porter, R. M. Todd, N. M. Jones, N. White, J. Dillon, S. Gowans, C. Gowans, R. C. TonLs and L. Reid. The names of seven other soldiers were on the list, but the men did not appear. Replying for the men, Sergeant--Major G. A. K. Kelly expressed appreciation of the way in which the people had attended the function and thanked the townspeople for the gifts that had been handed oyer. None of the boys liked the idea of leaving Ashburton, he said, but they had to go. They would be back later on. An appeal on behalf of the patriotic funds was made by the chairman of the Ashburton Patriotic Committee (Mr E. M. Gabites), who said that the fund ’stood at £ISBB, which was a long way from the £SOOO which was the Borough’s quota. He hoped the people would give so generously that the committee would be able to hand oyer more like £6OOO than the £SOOO that had been set. Every individual must do his and her best to help the appeal. The house-to-houSe canvass had produced a suiy. representing less than 10s for each house. “Are we doing our bit for the boys going overseas ?’•’• he asked. “You sing patriotic songs but when it comes' to tapping the pocket it is another story.” He gave an assurance that the money collected would be used

for the purposes stated in the appeal and referred particulary to the London Relief Fund, and the rehabilitation sections of the general fund. He entered a plea for full support of the street fair which was to be held next week, FUNCTION AT TINWALD.

The residents of the Tinwald district entertained Corporal Keith Henderson, Private Hugh Ross and Mr Nt. Whiting, who is with the Air Force, in the Tinwald Town Hall last evening.

Mr W. Bryant presented each of the guests with a shaving outfit. Items were given by Mrs J. Roffey, Miss M. Mclnness, Messrs C. Hopwood and O. Freemen, Sparrow Bros, and Miss B. Millicliamp. Mr Rankin was at the piano and Mr A. Simpson was Master of Ceremonies.

The Rev. D. D. MacLachlan took tlie opportunity to explain the duties of the Home Guard.

BIG GATHERING AT METHVEN. A social evening and dance held in the Methven Town Hall on Tuesday evening in honour of district soldiers was attended by the largest number of residents yet seen and the accommodation was fully taxed. The most of the evening was spent in dancing, Cook’s orchestra providing the music with extras by Mrs A. Lawrenee and Mr Petrie. Mr A. C. Gadd was Master of Ceremonies. Mr J. Carr (chairman of the Patriotic Committee) presided. Mr A. F. Marr expressed the district’s appreciation of the action of the men in enlisting. He trusted that they would have - a successful mission in front of them. For the local branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association Mr W. R. Wilson spoke a few words of encouragement as from old “diggers.” Mr Marr presented each man with a pocket wallet, supplemented with gifts.from the Red Cross Society. The recipients were Privates G. Dickson, W. M. Holland, L. Low, T. McGirr, J. McGirr, M. Owens, M. Paulen, H. Prance, S. Stewart, Noel Wootton, Keith Chambers. The chairman stated that parcels to the value of £1 Is would be given to all as well as similar parcels to be forwarded to all men overseas.

PRESENTATION AT WINCHMORE.

There was a. large attendance at the Winchmore Hall last evening when residents of the district entertained Private J.'S. Bland. Mfcssrs J. Shearer (chairman), Hunter Morris and H. Verrall paid tribute to the place Private Bland occupied in the community. On behalf of the district Mr Hunter Morris made a presentation] to Private Bland, with an Expression, of the general good wishes for a successful military career. A Monte Carlo was won by Mr F. Nish and partner. Music for the dancing was supplied by Dabourn’s orchestra, and Messrs P. Curd and H. Nish were Masters of Ceremonies. Cards were played iby the non-dancers.