WELCOME HOME

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 103, 29 October 1945, Page 6

WELCOME HOME

NORTHLAND SERVICEMEN

St. Anne's Hall, Northland, was the rendezvous of the residents last Saturday evening when a large but happy gathering paid tribute and thanks to recently returned servicemen. Thirteen soldiers and airmen responded to the invitation, and apologies for inability to attend were received from 10 others. After a brief speech of welcome by Mr. R. Poynton, chairman of the Northland Social Club, the servicemen were invited, to the platform by Mr. J. A. McQueen, chairman of the Northland R.S.A., who, in a short but telling address, advised the returned men to apply the adaptability, they showed in shouldering Army discipline j and routine, when shedding civilian status, to the task of rehabilitation. „ "In the change-over from the planned and regulated life of the Service," continued Mr, McQueen, "you can be assured of our appreciation of all you have done for us in the fight for freedom, of our understanding of your difficulties, and of the help of the Returned Services' Association in your time of rehabilitation." . \ , • i After a sincere rendering of musical honours by the large gathering, Ser-geant-Major C. James thanked Mr. McQueen <fpr his speech of welcome and the residents for their many kindnesses and enthusiastic reception. The following servicemen answered the roll call amidst hearty applause:— Private P. Eaton, Private A. Spry. Gunner R. Norton, L.A.C. W. Hutchinsoh, Driver A. Levy, Sapper S. Chamberlain, Sergeant D. Alexander, Sergeant-Major CT James, L/Corporal N. McDougall, Staff-Sergeant H. Comber, Corporal A. Douthwaite, Staff-Sergeant L. Walsh, and Flying Officer J. Goldblatt. . During the evening opportunity was taken to announce the result of the King Carnival, which had been in progress in aid of the R.S.A. Hall Building Fund, and much interest was taken in the burlesque coronation of the Navy King (D. McLeod), who was attended by his Princes (C. Howard, Army, and R. Badland, Air Force). The ceremony was performed by the Lord Bishop (J. A. McQueen), the Lord Chamberlain (E. Wilcox), and the Court Jester- (A. Bowcock), all of whom contributed generously to the hilarity of the occasion. . Dancing was engaged in with Mr. R. Poynton as M.C., to music supplied by Arthur's Band. The evening was voted as an outstanding success and was the result of splendid co-operation between the Northland Social Club, the R.S.A., and Women's Auxiliary, who combined in the organisation of the welcome and the supper arrangements. . Northland residents have a reputation for the manner in which they looked after their boys when overseas, and have not forgotten how to welcome them home.