FAREWELLING THE TROOPS

Evening Star, Issue 23527, 16 March 1940, Page 7

FAREWELLING THE TROOPS

PATRIOTIC COUNCIL'S SUGGESTIONS The chairman _ (Mr A. H. Allen) stated at a meeting of the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council, held yesterday afternoon, that representations had been made to him that the farewell to the troops of tho first echelon had not been of a satisfactory nature. It was decided to install loud speakers on the railway station so that everyone on the platform could hear tho farewell speeches when the men of the second echelon departed. It was also decided to hold a ‘‘ free-and-easy ” social and dance in the Town Hall in the interests of the troops and their friends on Wednesday night next, there to be no charge to the guests. GREATER EFFORTS NEEDED. The Chairman stated there was a need for the council to make greater efforts in raising funds. He drew attention to a project in Christchurch whereby a house, fully furnished, was to be offered, to the public as an art union prize, and remarked that something of a like nature would also need to be contemplated locally. There was also the suggestion of holding a queen carnival. The matter was not discussed, but was held over fer consideration at a later date. DONATIONS. Grants of £IOO to be sent overseas for each of the second and third echelons were made to the National Patriotic Fund. Further grants of £SO for each of the second and third echelons for regimental funds were also made. The sum of £SO was donated for the purchase of a loud speaker for tho use of men at Trenthani. The appeal for this speaker came from Colonel J. Hargest.