TO THE COLOURS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 77, 23 December 1939, Page 14

TO THE COLOURS

A.M.P. Recruits Send-Off There was a large gathering of the staff of the Australian Mutual Provident Society at the Wellington branch jesterclay afternoon, to farewell seven members who are leaving with the first echelon of New Zealand troops for service overseas. , They were Messrs. Bryson, Blazer, Thodey, Leeks, Wood, Hill and Cawthron. , ... o The general manager for the A.M.P. Society in New Zealand, Mr. W. T. Ikin. who presided, said that the world situation had caused an upheaval in the ranks of the society in the Dominion, and he saw around him that day a number of unfamiliar faces.. “We welcome them to our ranks,’’ he said, “and feel sure they will give us co-operation in carrying out the work of the office during the absence of the 19 promising young men who have already offered their services in the Empire’s worthy cause. l am certain that all our boys will, as did the New Zealanders in the last war, acquit themselves gallantly and nobly wherever' and in whatever capacity they may be called upon to serve.” He congratulated Messrs. Bryson and Blazer, who already hold commissions, as well as Messrs. Thodey and Leeks upon similar promotion, and wished them and all the other representatives of the society the best of good fortune and a safe and speedy return. On behalf of the indoor and field staffs Mr. Ikin then handed to each of the departing soldiers a shaving outfit, and assured them that the society was proud of them, and those who stayed behind would have them constantly in their thoughts. At the call of the general manager, the company sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” and gave hearty cheers for the departing soldiers. “Though we look like soldiers and dress like soldiers, we are still members of the A.M-P. staff, and will be back again to keep the flng flying.” said Captain Bryson in returning thanks. The other recipients also returned thanks. Tramwaymen Farewelled A farewell smoke concert was given by the Wellington Tramway Union in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall ou Thursday night in honour of the members of the tramway service who are going on active service. Among those present were Messrs. M. Cable (general manager of the tramways department), L. B. Huttou (assistant general manager) and L. Norton-Taylor (accountant). Apologies were received from the mayor (Mr. Hislop) and Messrs. D. Tucker (traffic manager) and H. Leah (workshops superintendent). The toasts honoured were: “The King”; “Guests of the Evening,” proposed by Mr. E. N. Amon and Mr. Cable, and responded to by Private T. Bradley; “Tramways Department,” proposed by Mr. K. Wolland and responded to by Mr Hutton; “Tramways Union,” proposed by Mr. Norton-Taylor and responded to by Mr. P. .A. Hansen (acting-secretary). Mr. Cable said that the men who were leaving were following a very high tradition, as 27 per cent, of the tramways staff went to the Great War. Enjoyable items were given by Mr. J. King. Mr. R. Staples’s band and Mr. J. Bannin.

Members of the first echelon are J. S. Austin, T. Bradley, W. H. Douglas, O. R. Dixon. J. 11. Davie, T. W. Gill, 11. Gordon, W. 11. Malin, R. J. Moore, 0. I. Miller, E. H. Wells, 11. T. Wilson, E. I). Perkin, E. 11. Quinlan, W. Ritchie, C. It Sutherland.