FOURTH REINFORCEMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1940, Page 10

FOURTH REINFORCEMENT

w I FAREWELL AT GREYMOUTH. Members of the Fourth Reinforcement of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who have been on leave in the Grey district were tendered a civic farewell at the Borough Council Chambers, Greymouth, yesterday afternoon. Nine soldiers in uniform attended, and after addresses by the Mayor (Mr. F. A, Kitchingham) who presided, and Messrs. A. H. McKane and C. E. Butcher, were presented with tins of cigarettes by the Mayoress . (Mrs. F. A. Kitchingham) on behalf of the Women’s Patriotic Committee. There was a fair gathering of the public, and among several apologies for absence was one from Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., who is in Wellington. i The Mayor, in opening the function, 'welcomed the members of the Fourth Reinforcement.' Some of them, he

said, had been present at a previous public farewell, but it was very pleasing to have them present again. He pointed out the great difficulty con- , fronting the organisers of such functions in getting in touch with men who were on leave, so that their attendance ' could be ensured. The men were not always within reach, and some had ' prior engagements. “You young men,” said Mr. Kitchingham, “are doing your part, and I would to Heaven that the rest of the community would realise their duty and responsibility as you have done—that all must do their part. Some are doing their share —those who are working so unselfishly on such organisations as the National Reserve, the Emergency Committees, the Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, and Patriotic Committees — but I want to draw the attention of the public to the lack of spirit of the community as a whole in the support given the Home Guard. There are probably about two and a-half thousand males over the age of 16 years in Greymouth, ajad notwithstanding the number of public meetings held, and the publicity given by the Press, only 45 have joined up. The necessity for such an organisation as the Home Guard has been well emphasised. Invasion of our shores is not the imnnc:<sihilit.v if was. and. if thp pnlisf-

I ments in the Home Guard do not imI prove, it will show that the great maIjority of our eligible men are lacking I in a spirit of service, and that they do 'not appreciate the danger that may I confront our country. I appeal to all eligible men to realise their responsijbility, to join up with the Home Guard, and play their part.” Addressi ing the soldiers, the Mayor congratulated them on their joining the Army, and wished them on behalf of the citizens of Greymouth, enjoyable times on service, and a safe return to New

Zealand. Mr. A. H. McKane (president of the Grey Returned Soldiers’ Association, said that mention of the Fourth Reinforcement brought back memories to him, as it was 26 years ago that he joined the Fourth Reinforcement of the First Expeditionary Force. He hoped that the luck of the present Fourth would not be similar to that of the'Fourth Reinforcement he was in, as they had been landed in the East less than 10 days before they were in the firing line. The men would realise that some of their times ahead would be hard, but he knew that they were just as good as the soldiers oflhe last war, and would acquit themselves with credit wherever they went. On behalf of the returned soldiers, he wished the men a happy voyage, and a safe return. ’ u . ■ HOME GUARD. | Mr. C. E. Butcher said that last week he had made a tour of South Westland, and everywhere he went

he found men keen about the Home Guard, and anxious to join up. Particularly was this so of returned soldiers. After the meeting that afternoon, he was going to swear in about 24 youths from the Technical School, who had volunteered to act in the Intelligence section of the Home Guard. Adding those 24 boys to the 45 men who had already enlisted, it could be seen that though the number was small compared with the number eligible, it was the nucleus of wha’t would, he

had no doubt, prove a successful organisation. It was a small number, also, when compared with the fact that 31 men enlisted on the first night at Hari Hari. However, he felt’that there was no need for those men who were going away to feel that the shores of New Zealand would not be adequately defended. It was only a matter of organisation for a very strong force to be enlisted in Greymouth. Referring to the successes being enjoyed by the Greeks, he said it had been proved in the last war, and since, that the

Germans and the Italians were only i attacking troops—they did not have : the morale to fight a defensive war, or. a rearguard action, and the men who ; were going overseas would find thatl so, once they had withstood that first attack. He joined with the other speakers in wishing the men a good time overseas and a speedy return. Lance-Corporal J. Vaughan replied on behalf of the men. He thanked the speakers for their kindly words of encouragement, and the women for the gifts, and the people of Greymouth and district for the many courtesies and kindnesses extended to the men on leave. The men would carry with them happy recollections of their visit. He said it had been inspiring to the men in Burnham Camp to see, on one week-end, 600 ex-soldiers in camp, doing a refresher course, and again last week-end when some 1,200 returned men had been in camp preparing themselves for service at home. With such an example before them) those who were going overseas would i do their utmost to maintain the reputation set by the men of the First Ex- I peditionary Force. I The men were accorded musical; honours, and cheers, and at the call of Lance-Corporal Vaughan, returned cheers for the Mayor and citizens of, Greymouth. ' !

; luaitix, nic humid-b wciv cmci leaned in the West Coast Old Boys’ Association’s rooms, where the following toasts were honoured:—“The King”; “The Guests” (Mr. A. M. Carroll-Lance-Corporal Vaughan); “The Forces Overseas” (proposed by Mr. G. G. M. Mitchell);»“The Press”, (proposed by Mr. A. H. McKane); and “The Old Boys’ Association and Mr. W. Williams” (proposed by the Mayor, Mr. F. A. Kitchfngham). The Mayor presided, and Mr. W. Williams was at the piano.

i VALEDICTORY i An enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. Evans, Aickens, when Private W. J. S. Wilson, of Greymouth, was farewelled by his relations and friends. Mr. W.’ Evans presented Private Wilson with a set of military brushes from his relations. Mr. J. Evans expressed best wishes for his safe return. Private Wilson was also the recipient of several presents including two cheques from residents of the Christchurch Road. Private Wilsonsuitably replied. Music was supplied •by Messrs Hammond and Youngman's' (2). Several bagpipe selections were given by the guest of honour. The evening concluded with the .singing! of “Auld Lang Syne.” Members of the,Fourth Echelon] who have been spending final leave in Reefton with relatives, were farewelled at a social evening held last

evening in the band room by the Reefton public. There was a large attendance. Mr T. Watson presided, and apologised for the absence of the County chairman, Mr J. O’Regan. A musical programme was given by Mesdames Buist, Sharpe, Waddell, Miss McHenry, Mr Norwell, the school choir of the Reefton School, and Mesdames Lawn and D. Davidson. The Inangahua Silver Band played a programme of selections outside the hall prior to the programme. Mr K. Archer had charge of the programme, and the accompanists were Mesdames Archer, Discaciati, Nicholls and Misses Archer and Potter.

Mr Watson presented each soldier with a gift of money and a parcel. He wished them a safe journey and a speedy return in good health to their homes. He felt sure that the reputation of the New Zealand forces would be well upheld by all those leaving Reefton to become members of the Forces. Four members of the Junior Red Cross from the Reefton School handed each soldier a parcel. “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was heartily sung, and a community sing was enjoyed.

Supper was served by the Ladies’ Committee and organised by the Reefton Businessmen’s Association, and a dance was later held, which was largely attended, music being i supplied by Mesdames Archer, Eklund, Lawn and Nicholls. Mr C. McElwee was M.C. Gunner McPherson left on return to camp by to-day’s Nelson car. Corporal Lewis and Privates Cutbush 'and J. Chapman leave on Saturday on return to camp.

HOME GUARD COMMITTEE The Greymouth Home Guard Committee held its first meeting last evening, the Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitching[ham) presiding over an attendance of the following members: Messrs. H. Herring, J. Saunders, A. H. McKane, T. Pratt, A. J. Panther (deputy for Mr. S. Gladstone), and H. R. Bagge. Apologies for absence were received from Brigadier-General W. Meldrum (Area Commander), and Mr. G. R. Harker.

I The Mayor explained the regulations gazetted regarding the Home ' Guard, and stated that the Area Commander, wished the Committee to consult the men who enrolled before any recommendations were made.regarding officers.

I A lengthy discussion took place on the position of members of Emergency Precautions Committees as related to the Home Guard. It was explained 'that all who were connected with the committees should be enrolled for emergency precautions purposes only, • but that arrangements would be made so that they could receive certain training with the Home Guard. The Mayor reported that the Disi trict Commander, Major Kingscote, would, with Brigadier-General Meldrum, address a meeting of all enrolled and intending to enrol in the Home Guard, at the Council Cham-, bers on Monday evening next. : Mr. A. H. McKane was elected chairman of the Committee, unopposed. , It was decided to endeavour to ar- ’ range for one or more platoons to train in Cobden, Blaketown and the southern portion of the town, in addition to the platoons in the central por- , tion. ;