SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 95, 27 August 1941, Page 4

SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED

PAPAKURA FUNCTION PRESENTATIONS BY MAYOR * At a social and dance held in Hie Parish hall last week a civic farewell was tendered to live members of the Armed Forces. During the evening presentations of wallets to each soldier aws made by the Mayor, Mr S. Evans. tn a short talk to the large attendance Ihe Mayor mentioned that - although the entertainment committee had been short of funds, the recentsale of produce at the patriotic shop had swelled the funds again by about £42, thanks to Mrs 11. A. Salter and tier friends on the Papalcura branch of the Lady Galway Guild. He also tendered his best thanks to members of the entertainment committee, who got. very short, notice of a function, but lie was pleased to say the present y function was very successful. Mr, Evans went on to dwell on the serious aspect of the war, mentioning the enormous armies at present engaged. Britain, he said, had made mistakes, but they bad the word of Field Marshal Smuts that as conquerors the British had treated t lie South Africans like gentlemen. “Today we have our backs to ttie wall, fighting for our very existence, but we have a glorious heritage in men like Kitchener, Wellington and Bcresford to live up to,” said Mr Evans. “Today there is that gleam of hope of the splendid help being given by the United States of America. To the boys I say this war is not a picnic, but. you arc going to light for justice and liberty.” In conclusion tie said, “You will be followed by our prayers and interest and we hope for the day when we can welcome you back here

again. The vicar of Papalcura. the Rev. J. G. Heath, said: “On occasions like ttiese we have curious feelings. Some of us can’t go but one thing we can do and that is back you fellows up and do something for you, especially when.you come back. It should lie our privilege while you are away to do a tittle. We all hope that you will have good opportuities in your civil life when you return; the best of luck and a safe return,” said Mr Heath. The Rev. S. Neal, Methodist minister, said he was pleased to be associated witli the gathering. “In lighting this war we are supporting all the great principals of Christianity and well ope after the war the world will be a better and brighter place for all mankind. We feel we are going to win through; there is a great work to do but we pray for you and our best wishes follow you: may you have a safe journey wherever you go and a ]iearly welcome back.” The chairman of the Papalcura R.S.A., Mr Frank Parker, wished the boys the lies! of luck and gave an assurance that the association would look after their interests. Light refreshments were then handed round by the ladies’ committee.

During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs 0. Melisop and Mrs W. R. Searson and monologues by Miss B. Taylor. Mrs L. E. G. Wilson acted as accompanist.

The soldiers entertained were: Gunner R. E. Auckett, Driver A. J. If. Milieu. Driver 11. .1. McEntee, Sapper- E. C. Winteringliam and Gunner N. Widdowson.

A presentation was also made to Driver 11. .1. McEntee by the Papalcura Cycling Glut).