MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 13139, 13 September 1940, Page 5

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

FAREWELL FUNCTION

THREE MEN HONOURED

(From our Correspondent)

A farewell evening at the Peter Pan Hall last Monday, was arranged by the entertainment sub-committee on behalf of Mount Maunganui residents. The widespread popularity of the three men thus honoured, was evidenced by one of the largest local gatherings to be held in the Hall. The Hall was charmingly arrayed, a lounge effect having been created at the end of the floor beneath the orchestral stage, with rugs, easy chairs, and setees. Flowers and greenery achieved a realistic effect, being arranged in long boxes. Flags gave the crowning touch appropriate to the nature of the evening’s entertainment, and the host and hostess were Capt. J. Mitchell and Mrs C. J. West.

Mr B. Taylor as master of ceremonies commenced the programme by announcing first dance. Very excellent dance music was provided by the Matapihi Maori Band; There was quite a thrill when the guests of honour, who are entering camp shortly in training for overseas, were escorted into the Hall by the Tauranga Pipe Band, entering with a skirl of pipes and swing of kilts, followed by a squad of the Home De-' fence, with the guests of the evening bringing up the rear. The parade was greeted with cheers and applause and when dismissed its members were quickly absorbed into the dancing.

Vocal items by a member of the orchestra, Mr Williams, were enjoyed.

Novelty dances kept the dancers interested and particularly attractive was a Maori action song which was performed by girls from Matapihi, this being vociferously encored. The Matapihi Maoris are untiring in their efforts towards all patriotic affairs, which is much appreciated by the people of the Mount.

Mr J, Steevens, the secretary of the Entertainment Sub-Committee, then called the attention of those present to the main purpose of the evening, and Capt. J. Mitchell, Chairman of the Mount Maunganui Town Board, before opening the ceremony presented apologies from Mr F. W. Doidge, M.P., and Mrs Doidge, Mrs L. R. Wilkinson, Mrs J. Mitchell and Mrs Hogan.

Capt Mitchell then called on the Rev. Father Eccleston- Vice-Presi-dent of the Tauranga Patriotic Committee to make' a speech, which proved both forceful and inspiring. Father Eccleston said: “These men, all family men, who have volunteered their services to their King and country, have the true British spirit which is prepared to make sacrifices in order to fight for freedom and all ft stands for. My own mission in life is peace, but not the peace of slavery and tyranny. If it means fighting for the right things in life, then I say fight! “This war has taught us that hereafter we must always be ready to preserve our freedom. During my trip to the Far East, it was evident that had the September crisis of 1938 culminated in war, one place wholly unprepared would have been the base at Singapore, where* our friend Lt. Commander West is doing his stuff and doing it well. It takes three years to make a soldier, and we are condensing that into three months preliminary training, but our boys are making a good job of it, never better. In the short time at her disposal the .British Empire has covered her defences with amazing rapidity and the calm and courage of her peoples make the ravings of the tyrants who seek world domination, a mockery.” The Mayor of Tauranga, Mr L. R. Wilkinson then addressed the gathering and extended to the guests of honour on behalf of the citizens of Tauranga, very best wishes and expressions of good luck. He trusted he would be present at their homecoming

Capt. Mitchell said that the two previous speakers had expressed all that those present felt and thanked them for their addresses. On behalf of the residents of Mount Maunganui he extended to the three men, whose popularity was so evident, wholehearted best wishes for success in the fight for freedom, their King and country, and all those things for which they were prepared to make sacrifices.

Capt. Mitchell called on the three men, each in turn being accompanied by two members of the Home Defence amidst rousing cheers. Firstly, Soldier George Hart, well known ex-All Black footballer, formerly of Christchurch, and since residing at Mount Maunganui, popular business man and member of various local committees. In addition to the usual presentation of a wallet containing a small sum of money, and a fountain pen to each man leaving the Mount for service overseas, Mr E. C. Banks made eulogistic reference to Mr George Hart’s services as Honorary Secretary to the Mopnt Maunganui Bowling Club, and made a presentation on behalf of Club members. Next came soldier Munro, who in his short residence *at the Mount, has distinguished himself in his efforts as a member of the entertainment sub-committee and of the i.Sick, Wounded • and Distress Committee. His untiring and / cheery devotion to all patriotic work leaves no shadow of doubt in our minds, that wheii men of his calibre fight for us we may be certain of success. Lastly it was hats off and deafening cheers to Returned Soldier C. Stapleton, who was escorted by two Returned Soldiers. Feeling reference was made during this presentation by Capt. Mitchell, to Returned Soldier Stapleton’s participation in the last war, arid his volunteering for service in this one.

- To the delight of those px*esent, all three men responded in turn, at the conclusion of which musical honours were accorded them.'* The supper dance was very stately, being a waltz played by the Tauranga Pipe Band. The supper was very

well arranged by a group of ladies and was thoroughly enjoyed. The last item on the programme was an impromptu haka in which the Maoris and the three guests of honour participated. This, to use a well known phrase, “brought the house down.” There were many visitors from other districts, the majority coming from Tauranga, a launch having been kindly run by Messrs Faulkner Bros.. “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the' King” brought a wonderful even- 1 ing to a. close.

PERSONAL

Mrs J. Mitchell is the guest of her daughter. Mrs A. S. McKenzie, Riverside Road, Hamilton.