NORTH CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22906, 30 December 1939, Page 6

NORTH CANTERBURY NEWS

DEPARTURE OE SOLDIERS

LARGE GATHERING AT WAIKARI PRESENTATIONS TO MEN OF SPECIAL FORCE One of the largest functions held iti the Waipara County was that in the Waikari Public Hall to bid farewell to the soldiers leaving for active service With the first echelon from the Wal-kari-Hawarden districts. It was organised by a combined committee representing the Waikari-Hawarden, Mason’s Plat, Peaks, Mcdbury, and Hurunui districts, with Mr H. Saundercock as. chairman and Mr S. L. Boon secretary and with Messrs A. Cowie and J. Quigley as Hawarden representatives. The committee proposes to organise all farewell and “welcome home” functions in the Waikari-Hawarden districts for the duration of the war. The hall was decorated by a committee under Mesdames Saundercock, Traill, and Honeybone, a red, white, and blue colour scheme being used, With the flags of the Allies also introduced. The soldiers present were:—Driver S. C. Scott, Corporal D. H. Fairborn, Sapper N. J. Entwistle, Driver H. Thornley, Driver A. D. Galletly, Private W. Graham, Private G. McMillan, LanceCorporal R. May, Trooper C. L. Wilks. Driver W. E. Peach, Private A. J. R. Blakely, and they were each presented With a morocco wallet and gold pencil. Other soldiers who had already left New Zealand for special service overseas were represented by relatives and each received a present. They were Quartermaster J. Campbell, Lieutenant J. F. R. Sprosen, Pilot Officer A. M. Foster, Gunner R. Steel. The speakers were Mr H. Saundercock (chairman), the Rev. Father Madden (churches), Messrs F. J. Steel (Returned Soldiers’ Association), J. W. Wright (old soldiers), and A. Cowie (local bodies). The presentations were made by Mr Cowie. The music for the dancing was supplied by the Hawarden Dance Band, assisted by the North Canterbury Pipe Band under Major W. Arthur. Messrs W. Traill and C. McKeegan were masters of ceremonies. A presentation was made for the Hawarden Tennis Club to Driver Stanley Scott, A.S.C., by Mr A. Wright (president).

PRESENTATIONS AT WAIAU A farewell party lor Messrs H. Stove, R. Parsons, and L.. Thompson, of Waiau, who are leaving New Zealand with the Special Force, was held at the homo of Mr and Mrs Fyle Anderson. Mr Anderson presented the Soldiers with a small token of esteem from those present. Mr L. G. Forbes also spoke. SOCIAL AND DANCE AT BELFAST There was a large attendance at a social and dance which was held in the Belfast Town Hall to honour four members of the first echelon for overseas service. Gunner R. Chappell, Privates L C. Adam and T. Howard, and Driver C. Stevenson. Mr W. T. Rogers presided. , „ Mr Urle Anderson, a member of the Main Body of 1014, for the residents of the district, wished the departing soldiers good luck, and presented each with a pocket wallet. Other speakers were Messrs R. Blick, P. Thomas, H. Howard, and A. G. Smith. Music for the dancing was supplied by Messrs F. Miller and V. Lange, and Messrs E. T. Wilson and E. Rudkin were masters of ceremonies. FAREWELL AT ASHLEY BANK There was a large attendance of residents and friends at a farewell social held in the Ashley School to honour Private E. Schmidt, a member of the first echelon of the Special Force. Mr R. Peach, for the residents, presented Private Schmidt with a money belt and a wristlet watch. Miss T. Peach presented Mrs A. Schmidt with a bouquet. Mr P. J. Lindsay, chairman of the school committee, also spoke, and made a presentation to Private R. Miller, who formerly resided at Ashley-. PRESENTATION MADE AT LOBURN An enjoyable evening was spent at Loburn when many residents and friends gathered at the Coronation Hall for a farewell function in honour of Mr D. Brocherie, the first Loburn resident to leave for service overseas. The county chairman (Mr H. G. Philpott), speaking for the residents, extended best wishes for a safe return, and presented Mr, Brocherie with a wristlet watch. . . , Father J. A. Mackay also extended best wishes for a pleasant journey. PURLIC PRESENTATION AT PREBBLETON There was a large and widely representative attendance in-the Prebbleton Hall when seven men, members of the first echelon of the Special Force, were given a public presentation and farewell by the residents of the district. The men, Who are returning to camp after final leave, are Messrs C, Hampton, A. Johnson, J. Minogue, H, Taylor, W. Taylor, J. Wheeler, and G. Dawber. Mr J, Smith, who presided and who made the presentations, wished the men godspeed and a safe return to their homes. Members Of the, cricket and football clubs made Special preen tations to Messrs Hampton, Johnson, and Minogue, who have beea f active members of those . organisations for several years. Mr M. Evans, of Islington, also presented Mr Hampton With a parting gift from his fellowworkmen of, the wool department at the Islington freezing works. Mr Hampton expressed i thanks for the men, who were enthusiastically received, and who, with their parents, were accorded musical honours. Other Speakers Were Captain Davidson, who appealed for more recruits, Messrs R. Ede, J. Moir, H. Cherry, A. Gallagher, and H. Kennedy. Vocal items were given by Mrs T. Foster, Miss Colyn Foster, and Mr Ray Harrison; monologues by Mr C. Lauren* sop; skater’s dance .by Miss Helen Cookson; tap dances by Miss Pearline Liliey, and a ventriloqtiial item by Lieutenant Brend. Miss Mehfcie Foster was the accompanist. . Dancing was also enjoyed, music being played by Messrs Cohnbr, Claughtbh, Banfleld, Jamiesbn, Crossan, aha W. Millar. SOCIAL AT GORE BAY . A social and dance Was held at Gore Bay recently to honour Private D. McClthtOch, who is leaving With the first echelon of the Special Force, Mr G, Walls, for the residents of Goi'e Bay, presented Private McClintbch With a shaving set and a cheque.

MEN BIDDEN FAREWELL AT WEST MELTON A very large gathering of residents of West Melton and surrounding districts met recently in the hall to bid farewell to men of the first echelon who will leave shortly for active service overseas. Mr A. E. LangdaleHunt presided. Three soldiers, Trooper W. Simms, Private W. Walker, and Gunner D. Tiplady, were present. The chairman expressed the gratitv\d.e of the district to the men who had enlisted for service overseas, and wished them all bon voyage and a safe return. Mr H. E. Cross and the Rev. G. Calder also spoke. Mrs J. D. Henderson made presentations to the men. A wristlet watch was presented to Trooper Simms from the residents of West Melton, and fountain pens and eversharp pencils were presented to Private Walker (Aylesbury), Gunner Tiplady (Kirwee), and also to G-unner W. Hammond who was Unable to be present. Songs were contributed by Mrs Searle (Belfast) and Mr J. Grieve (Christchurch). Dancing was enjoyed to music supplied by Mrs W. Hayes, and extras were played by Miss Lucy Thompson and Miss Ena Henderson. Mr R. Archie was master of ceremonies. A competition was won by Miss Thompson and Mr J. Thompson (Halkett). FUNCTION AT SHEFFIELD There was a large attendance at a social evening held recently at Sheffield to bid farewell to four members of the Special Force. Items were given by Mrs M. Bull, Mr P. Bull, and the Annat Harmonica Band. Mr L. T. Wright (chairman of the Sheffield Patriotic Committee) gave a brief outline of the work of the committee, and Mr Douglas Deans spoke for the Malvern returned soldiers. Mr H. C. Townshend presented gifts to Lance-Corporal A. A. Deans, Privates H. W. Vickery, and D. Mulholland, and extended the best wishes of the residents of the district. The opportunity was also taken to bid farewell to Mr Graham McMillan, of Darficld, and for the residents Mr S. Oldridge made a presentation. PERSONAL NOTES AKAROA Mr and Mrs W. J, B. Hutchinson (Raid’s Hill, Little River) and Mr and Mrs L. B. Allan (Aikman’s road, Christchurch) have been staying with Mr and Mrs T. Masefield, Children’s Bay, Akaroa. Mr and Mrs H. R. Youngman and Misses V. and L. Youngman > (Bcaley street) have returned to Christchurch after visiting Mr and Mrs F. C. Newton, Aylmer’s Valley, Akaroa. Miss Ursula Brocherie (Dunedin) has returned from a short visit to her parents, Mr and Mrs F. "Elm Grove,'* Akaroa. Mr S. J. Wcarn (Christchurch) is spending a fortnight’s holiday at Akaroa. Mr and Mrs G. W. H. Adams (Wellington) and Miss Betty Evans (Christchurch) are the guests of the Misses Jacobson, Mount Leinster, Akaroa. Mr and Mrs Q. W., O’wen (Opawa) are spending a camping holiday at Akaroa. Mr and Mrs H. H. Telford (Riccar* ton), and Mr and Mrs S. O. Wealleans, Oamaru, spent the Christmas holidays with Mr and Mrs Gordon Hammond, Takamatua, Banks Peninsula.

Mr and Mrs Cyril Truscott and family (Mersey street, St. Albans) have been staying with Mr and Mrs R. C. F. Keegan, Jolie street, Akaroa. Miss I. McKenzie (Parnassus) is spending the holidays with her aunt, Mrs C. W. Leete, “Cranford” Akaroa. Miss L. Keast (Monck’s Spur, Redcliffs) is visiting her sister, Mrs F. Keegan, Jolie street. Akaroa. Mr and Mrs R. A. Cuthbert and family iFendalton) are spending a holiday at Akaroa, where they have taken a house. _ Mr and Mrs H. H. Rodd (Christchurch) are spending a holiday at Akaroa.

Mr W. B. T. Leete (Christchurch) is spending the holidays with his parents, Mr and Mrs C. W. Leete, “Cranford,” Akaroa. Mr L. E. Robinson (Christchurch), who accompanied him, has returned to the city. Mr R. Newlands (Wellington) is spending a holiday with Mr and Mrs G. E. Whelcli, Balguerie street, Akaroa. . , T Misses Lyndall Robertson and Joan Hanna (Christchurch) are spending a holiday at" “Blythclifle,” Akaroa, Mr Q, H. Jacobson (Wellington) is spending The Christmas and New Year holidays with his parents, Mr and Mrs W. E. M. Jacobson. “Rahean,” Akaroa. Mr and Mrs E. W. Chapman and their son, John (Roseneath, Wellington) are staying with Mrs. Chapman’s mother, Mrs T. Penlington, Jolie street, Aka* roa. Mr and Mrs H. McLenaghan and their son, John. Spreydon, are spending a camping holiday at Akaroa. Mr and Mrs A. Johnson (Percy street, Akaroa) haye returned from a 'short visit to Mrs Johnson’s parents. Mr ahd Mrs J. . Black, “Braemar,” Culverden. * Mrs N. J. Johnston and her sister, Miss C. Vogan (Christchurch) are visiting Mrs Johnston’s son-in-law and daughter. Mr and Mrs J. E, Armstrong. “Mount Clair,” Akaroa. ... Miss Nola Edginton (Christchurch) has been staying with her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs W. J. Edginton, LavaUd street, Akaroa. Mrs H. D. Chalklen, with her sons (Pendalton) visiting her mother, Mrs G. G. Pool (Jolie street. Akaroa). Miss V. Brocherle (Christchurch), iied by Miss Rowle, is visiting her sister. Miss A. Brocherie, Jolie Miss Marjorie Petterson (Greymouth) is spending a holiday with her parents, Mr and Mrs C. Petterson, Akaroa. Miss N. Fleming (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs W. A- Newton, “Oinako,” Akaroa. N Mrs L. Giddehs (The Hutt, Wellington, and formerly of Duvauchelle) is visiting her brother and sister-in-law, Mr and Mrs C. Bryant, Lavaud street. A Mr° a 'and Mrs R. K. . Jamieson CBtyndwf) h&ve been visitiftg Mrs Jamieson’s parehts, Mr and Mrs A M. Helps, “Mount Pleasant, ’* Akaroa. Miss Edna Johnson (Dunedin) is visiting Akaroa and is staying at the Bruce Hotel. Dr. and Mrs G. S. Cantrell (Havelock, Marlborough Sounds) have been staying at the Madeira Hotel. Akaroa. Misses Mary and Stephanie Armstrong are spending the holidays with their parents, Mr and Mrs F. G. Armstrong, “Mount Vernon.*’ Akaroa. Mr R. Morcom (Ashburton) has returned from a short visit to his parents, Mr and Mrs T. H. Morcom, Lavaud street, Akaroa. Mr J. McKehzic (Ashburton) has been visiting his parents. Mr and Mrs T. E. McKenzie, Jolie street, Akaroa. Miss Sylvia Seelen (DUhedin) is staying with her aunt, Mrs Gordon Kearney. Grehati Valley, Akaroa. Mr and Mrs G. Thompson and their daughter-(Christchurch) are spending a camping holiday at Akaroa,

Mrs J. McLenaghan, and Mr and Mrs D. McLenaghan and family (Spreydon) are spending a holiday at Okain’s Bay. Mr L. M. J. McNabb, postmaster at Blackball. West Coast, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs E. Q. McNabb. Church street. Akaroa.

Mr David’E. Watts (Invercargill), a grandson of Mr J. H. Newton (Aylmer’s Valley. Akamai. has won a scholarshin at Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, open to members of YOUng Farmers’ Clubs/

prebbleton Mr and Mrs C. Hands and Miss Bessie Hands are spending the holidays with relatives at Clinton. Miss Aileen Gallagher is paying a holiday visit to Wellington. Miss Linda Anderson, who has been in Auckland for several months, is spending the holidays with her parents in Prebbleton. Miss Muriel Carter has left for Wellington, where she will visit her aunt, Mrs H. Barclay. The Misses Mavis-and Vohnie Smith are visiting the West Coast. LYNDON-WAIAU FIRST-AID SUCCESSES The following members of the'Lyn-don-Waiati branch of the Red Cross Society were successful in the recent first aid examination: —Mesdames Dearden, Bradshaw, Misses Derritt. Buchanan, M. Savage, M. Oldman, N. White, W. Savage, B. Stove, M. McKie, D. Clark, J. Mcßride, and M. Atkinson. BUSY BEES HOLD CONCERT AT BELFAST

"The Belfast Presbyterian Busy Sees recently held a concert and social evening in the Sunday schoolroom. The programme consisted of an amusing dialogue, two playettes, recitations and musical items. Mrs J. A. Farrar thanked Mrs W. T. Rogers and Miss Ella Mote for training the children and arranging the entertainment. The following children took part:---Rona Crawford, Mollie Drummond, Noeline Farquhar, Barbara Mellralth, Barry and Nigel Mcllraith, Dormhy and Jean Melrose, Margaret and 'Arnold Mote, Colin McDonald, Greba and lan Starkey, Graeme, Peggy, Doreen, and Judith Wilson.