Gifts To Soldiers

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 18, 7 March 1941, Page 2

Gifts To Soldiers

ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING AT SOUTHBRIDGE

BETWEEN 400 AND 500 PEOPLE

ATTEND

The d enthusiasm and interest which people of Southbridge town and district display in .the socials at which soldiers from the areas mentioned are guests of honour was amply demonstrated on Tuesday evening, x when presentations were made to four, Privates A. Lilley, W. Campbell, C. Watson and G. Hutcheson. The attendance was much -nearer 500 than 400, and even though full advantage was taken of the opportunity to play cards, the dancing floor in the main hall was crowded. At the presentation ceremony the proceedings were marked with much enthusiasm, the popularity .of the guests being evident by the cordial way in which they were greeted by those present. At the presentation ceremony, Dr. E. W. Hunt, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, presided. He said that it must be very pleasing to the guests to see such a large attendance and to be given such a rousing reception. It was a very fine tribute to them. He added that

all must realise the sacrifices the soldiers were making, giving up almost everything in their civilian career for their country and to serve in its defence. This was New Zealand's fight as well as Great Britain's and other parts of the Empire and it was the duty of all civilians to do what they could to help without expecting thanks for anything they did. .It was right to recognise the sacrifice which the soldiers were making, that this was so was shown by the large crowd present. On behalf of the parishioners of St. James's Church, Rev. G. L. Harold presented Private Watson with a New Testament and said that its words and teachings would be a means of strength, guidance and comfort to him in whatever circumstances the recipient was placed. He assured Private Watson that he had the very best wishes of the congregation and would be remembered in his thoughts and prayers.

Rev. L. G. B. Whitehead made similar gifts to the other three guests. He said that ten men from the Presbyterian Church in Southbridge were now with the armed forces, which he considered was a very fine record. He was proud of them all and wished them God speed on their great errand. He believed those who were serving in the forces were something more than soldiers—nthey were crusaders in a great cause—the greatest anyone could take part in, the defence of freedom and liberty. Mr T. J. Carter, representing the Ellesmere R. S. A., also wished the guests every good fortune and a safe return. He was sure the guests would win through, wherever they were" sent. The international situation was grave. Great Britain was once more threatened with invasion, while in the Pacific the position was serious .and even the shores of New Zealand were threatened. He declared that it would be a help to the men who were going to the front to know that the defences of the country were being cared for, and he appealed to all men at home to join up with the Home Guard. A country that was worth living in was worth fighting for. There was a job for every man to do, either in the Home Guard or in the Emergency Precautions Scheme. There were vacancies in the Southbridge platoons, and unless these were filled the unit would not be as efficient as it should. Now that the harvest was over, there should be a big increase in enrolments ( The soldier-guests were popular in' the district and he assured them of the interest and assistance of the R.S.A., now and after the war. Mr G. Burt, on behalf of the Southbridge Football Club, made gifts to the guests. They were all members of the club, had played in its games for a number of years and held high places in the estimation of their fellow members, both as men a*nd as sports. He wished them every success and a safe return.

Mx H. D. Marshall, on behalf of the . Lakeside people, thanked the

Southbridge committee for the opportunity of making a presentation to Private Campbell. The latter was looked upon as a Lakeside boy and had been well-known and a popular man in the district for many years. He hoped to see the guests back again soon and assured them of a hearty welcome. Mr D. Paterson made gifts to Privates Lilley and Campbell on behalf of the Southbridge Miniature Rifle Club. They had been members . for some years and were keen jand efficient rifle shots.

Dr. Hunt, in making gifts to the guests on behalf of the town and district, said that they were held in high esteem by the residents. He would like them to know how deeply the people appreciated the sacrifices they were making, and that their careers overseas would be followed with .the greatest interest. He wished them every success, good furtune .and a safe return.

The guests Were enthusiastically received when the presentations were made, were also accorded musical honours and given three hearty cheers.

Each man responded, thanking the people for their gifts and the splendid .reception given to them. Music for the dancing was played by Lambie's Band and Mr T. J. Carter was the M.C. A Monte Carlo was won by Miss M. Hampton and Mr A. Pearce. The most successful players at cards were Mesdames Adams and Howatson, Messrs Howatson and T. Denton. The ladies who had the responsibility of serving supper tackled their big job with energy and enthusiasm and the results were satisfactory to all concerned.