WELCOME HOME

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 28 July 1943, Page 5

WELCOME HOME

A warm welcome home was extended the local soldiers, home on furlough from the Middle East, on Thursday evening last in the Town Hall. There was a very large crowd in attendance, including soldiers and visitors from the neighbouring districts; the local men being': Lieut- F. Hull, Warrantl-officjer/ II P. Canham, Lance-Corporals B. McCarthy, M.M., and A. Riach, Corporal J. Drysdale, Privates C Woodhouse, B. Camjpbell, lan Ash worth, H. Madigan, J. Thompson and Signalman C. Theyers. The Mayor (Mr A. McKellar) made a presentation to each man and in doing so referred to the great job of work they h?,d done and hoped their furlough would be restful and beneficial to them l . He made special mention cm Lancej-Corporal Mc Carthy, who had been decorated with the Military M|edal and expressed the hope that Corporal Drysdale and Private Bert Campbell, who had been invalided home, would soon be restored! to good health. Mr J.R. McKissocfc (president of the R.5..A.) endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and assured the mien that the facilities of the R-S.A. would be at their disposal during their leave. Several of the soldiers spoke in grateful terms of the splendid function arranged for them that evening. Opportunity was taken by the Mayor to make a presentation to S.B.A. R. GSmith, of the Royal New Zealand Navy, to whom best wishes were extended. The Victory Dance Band,' as on previous occasions, played excellent music; while the supper arrangements were all that could be. desired •