TROOPS ENTERTAINED

Evening Star, Issue 23650, 9 August 1940, Page 4

TROOPS ENTERTAINED

MEN OF THIRD ECHELON Dunedin lias often been given the opportunity to see lino liiitlies of .'inciters manning tlirougn its streets mi parade, amt has aumired tiie fine pnysiqiio of the men. The Third Ecnelon at 'present on leave docs nothing to detract from the high standard set by its predecessors, and the entertainment side is as keeu.y enjoyed by these men as by the othre.s whom Dunedin has entertained. Two social events were included in yesterday's entertainment. Afternoon tea wa.s served for the men by the Returned Soldiers' Association in its hall, while in the evening the men were the guests of the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council at a dance in the ’town Hail. There was every evidence of enjoyment displayed at the afternoon tea, where the invitation extended was accepted by enough soldiers to fill the hall to overflowing. They made it a happy occasion by their lusty singing and holiday gaiety. Items were much appreciated, and the enthusiasm ol the community singing indicated that there have been plenty of sing-songs in camp. The president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr M . K. Cameron) spoke briefly to the men. Ho told them that the invitation to afternoon tea was a “ gesture from the old hands to the new and an expression of that feeling of brotherhood and pride which we know you will take away with you.” These soldiers of 1940 were going away on a great mission, he said, and they would find in it a sense of comradeship than which there was nothing finer in life. “ 1 have never soon a fitter iot of men than you are,” he added, “ and 1 know you will keep your fitness right through the piece.” After touching upon the work ami purpose of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr Cameron wished the men the best of luck. “ We wish you well.” lie said. “ Good hunting, love your country, honour your King—and got your man !”

The same joyous spirit was in evidence in the evening. The mayor (Mr A. H. Allen), who is chairman of the council, and Mrs Allen wore host and hostess! 'accompanied by several members of the Mayoress's Committee, and the soldiers, along with a sprinkling of representatives of the other services, soon made themselves at homo and made the proceedings “ go with a swing.” Early in the evening the Mayor extended a welcome to the some 200 men of the forces present, and after a good supper lie again addressed the men, urging them not to forget those relations and friends at home, who wished them luck in the future. Lieutenant Bowie returned thanks on liehalf of the men, who. at the conclusion of the evening, showed their appreciation by rousing renditions of the ‘ Maori Battalion Marching Song ’ and the ‘ Beer Barrel Polka,’ after giving a “caterpillar parade” around the room in the finest of fine spirits.

Items enjoyed during the evening wore a dance by Miss Nola Lawrence, vocal items by Mr “ Spud ” Murphy, and saxophone solos by Mr James Murray. Mr Joe Brown was responsible for the floor arrangements, and Mr Murray’s Dance'Baud co-operated with the Band of the; Otago Regiment in dispensing suitably music. An excellent supper was much appreciated by. the men present. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' OLD BOYS

Over 20 old bovs of the Christian Brothers’ High School, who are home on leave from camp, met the executive of the Old Boys’_ Association to spend a very happy social hour last evening. Air F. Hall* president of the association, welcomed the men on leave to the gathering, which, he stated, had been prompted by the realisation that in the busy period of military training very few* opportunities were given them of meeting together, and, on behalf of the association, he wished them every success and a safe return home. Apologising for the unavoidable absenco of the Rev. Bro. Cervetto, principal of the Christian Brothers’ High School. Mr Hall said that Bro. Cervetto had asked that the best wishes of the brothers and himself should be joined with those of the association. The Rev. Father F. Columb briefly addressed the gathering, and, in stressing the nature of their new calling, stated that the old boys who had taken up arms had an obligation to show an example to their fellow soldiers in what could now rightly be termed a crusade for Christianity. Asking the members of the executive present to drink the toast of their guests, Father Columb said that he had overv confidence that the old boys of the school would acquit themselves well in any task to which they were assigned, and he offered them every blessing and good wish. Sergeant-major .1. R. Kennedy thanked Father Columb and the members of the association for their good wishes, and for arranging the gather- , ing. which, he said, had boon fully appreciated by everyone present. AT GREEN ISLAND As a result of the support given by the public of Green Island to the local Soldiers’ Farewell Committee, a social and dance was held in tho Town Hall, Green Island, last night. There was a large attendance, and the mayor and members of tho Borough Council were also present. Mon from the district who are at present on leave from military camps were each the recipient of a small present and a cheque, and | parents and next-of-kin of men already | on active service overseas, who were I present, were also presented with similar gifts. Some very outstanding performances were given by juvenile dancers, and popular local soloists.

The committee wishes it to be known that any men on leave or relatives of men overseas who were unable to lie present last night will also receive a gift at a time suitable to them if tliev will communicate with Air W. A. Aliller. ST. LEONARDS FUND

In support of the presentation ami gifts to soldiers’ fund, a ladies’ soeial afternoon was held in the St. Leonards Sunday School Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs Hugh Speight had some very interesting things to toll about her trip to America, and she charmed her listeners with her attractive style of relating her various experiences. Miss Ramsay rendered two solos, and Mrs T. Smith acted as accompanist, Mrs Middleton was chairwoman, and Mrs Hill Scully proposed a vote of thunks to the speaker for her interesting talk. A social and dance to soldiers home on leave will bo held in King George Hall. St. Leonards, to-night, at S o’clock.