MRS KENT-JOHNSTON HONOURED

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23323, 8 May 1941, Page 11

MRS KENT-JOHNSTON HONOURED

WORK FOR SOLDIERS IN CITY Mrs W, F. Kent-Johnston, honorary organiser of the Welcome Club, who will shortly leave for Napier, was entertained by the club last evening, when a presentation was made to her from the men who had gone through the camp. It was one of three gatherings held in her honour during the Colonel S. D. Mason, Camp Commandant, referred to the work Mrs Kent-Johnston had done for the men at the camp. The men had found the Welcome Club of inestimable value, and he was certain that it had been of equal value to Air Force and naval men. The presentation was from all the men who had passed through the camp. , The Mayor (Private R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.), who made the presentation, said that Mrs Kent-Johnston’s work had been a service to the war effort of the country. The city would suffer a great loss by her departure. Mrs Kent-Johrtston recalled how she had met New Zealand troops during the last war when working at a club in Glasgow". She said that when the present war broke out she realised that men going into camp in a strange town would need the comforts of a home away from home." She referred to the letters of appreciation that had been received from men who had gone overseas, and said that she was glad that the wrok would be carried on when she left by those who had taken part in making the club a success. Earlier in the day Mrs Kent-John-ston was met by the returned soldiers who had assisted at the information bureau in Cathedral square and at the Welcome Club. High tributes were paid to her work, and a presentation was made. ~, 'v t •A gathering m honour of Mrs KentJohnston was also held by the North Canterbury Post and . Telegraph Women’s Association, of which she was founder and patron. A. presentation was made by Mrs H. C. Brent.