AIRMAN HONOURED

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 90, 15 August 1941, Page 2

AIRMAN HONOURED

AIR OBSERVER CLEM BEST VALEDICTORY FUNCTION TRIBUTE PAID TO IIIS FAMILY THIRD TO JOIN R.N.Z.A.F. The Bombay hull presented a jolly scene on Friday evening last,# when Air Observer C. F. Best was accorded a public send-off. Air Observer Clem Best is the fourth son of Mr and Mrs A. Best, of Bombay, and is the third member of the family to join the R.N.Z.A.F. Les Hart's orchestra provided lively dance music, a large gathering of friends making the fullest use of it. Novelty dances were a feature, tlie waltzing competition providing a keen contest, the audience and giddy competitors alike being well up on their toes before the winners were decided. Miss Enid Moore was warmly applauded for her rendering of several solos.

The presentation was made by Mr It. B. Abercrombie, chairman of the Bombay- Paparata Soldiers’ Send-off Committee. In bis opening remarks Mr Abercromb'e thanked the people of the district for the response to a recent appeal for funds for soldiers’ parcels, adding the number of appreciative Jotters received lately from members of every branch of- the services proved that efforts in this direction had been well worth while. Interest in District Activities

Before making the usual presentation Mr Abercrombie paid a tribute to the Best family, referring briefly to the valuable time and energy given unselfishly to the wellbeing of sport and public life in the district. During a wide experience from teaching in various districts, Mr Abercrombie said that he had not met a liner example of citizenship and sell'-sacrilice than that exemplified by Ihe Best family. Their work for the district evoked the admiration of all. in conclusion the speaker mentioned that Clem was not only a worker, but in most sport was well above the average, he being prominent in tennis. Badminton and football.' On behalf, of the people of Bombay and Paparala. Mr Abercrombie then presented Air Observer Best with an envelope containing .65 as. Mrs .). Lawrence, chairman of the ladies' committee, then asked Olem to accept a parcel of knitted goods and with it the best wishes from the ladies of the district. The guest was then given musical honours. Brief but Sincere Reply Amidst laughter. Air Observer BesL in his reply slated that as an airman held the record in the district tor brevity in speeches, lie could not: do better Ilian follow his example by thanking everyone for everything. Competition results were:—Monte Carlo waltz. Miss IT Best and Mr A. Best I : waltzing competition. Miss C. Mace and Mr 10. Wails: novelty elimination waltz. Miss .1. Mace and Mr K. Landon: ladies’ pyjamas, donated by Mrs V. Pcgler, was won by Mrs A. Ingram: box of chocolates, donated by Mr C. Cartel 1 , won by Mr A. Ramsay; ornamental dish, donated by Mrs V. Pegler. won by Mr Clem Best. Earlier in the month Air Observer Best was honoured at a special function arranged by the Bombay Badminton Club, when lie was presented with a modern engraved camera, as a token of esteem and appreciation from the members ol' the Bombay Tennis and Badminton Clubs. The speakers were the Rev. B. Coombridge. president of I lie Badminton and Young People’s Social Clubs, and Mr W. Cowrie, president of the Tennis Club. In his reply Air Observer Best thanked the speakers for their kind remarks and for a splendid gift, and expressed a wish that the clubs would try to carry on for the duration of the war. A pleasant social evening was spent.