REEFTON NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 July 1943, Page 6

REEFTON NOTES

[OUR OWN CORRESrONDENT.)

REEFTON. July 16

Members of the Armed Forces, from Reefton, and the Inangahua district, were accorded an official welcome home, and civic reception last evening at the gymnasium, when a hall filled to capacity greeted the recentlv arrived soldiers. The chairman of the Inangahua County Council Cr. W. Hempseed, Crs. Watson, F. W. Archer and T. R. Watson, Mr. W B. Auld, J. Discacaiti, chairman of the Reefton Patriotic Committee, and members of the Returned Services Association were present. The guests of the evening were: Warrant Officer F. S. Scarlett, Corporals Pfahlert, G. Hunt, Prendergast, Sappers J. Wylde, G. Schroder, Cockerill and Private R. Lester.. The men, with their next-of-kin, and relatives occupied a place at the head of the room. Mr. J. Discacaiti presided for the concert programme, which was as follows: Tap dance, Miss Mitchell; vocal number. Reefton High School pupils, soloist R. Honey; Sailors’ Horn Pipe, Misses F. Latham, P. Kear. Chorus, Black’s Point school. Monologue Miss B. Lochore, vocal solos Mrs. Buist, “For England”, and “White Cliffs of Dover”; Mrs. Leaning., “There’ll wavs be an England”, “The Fluter’s Ball.” Mrs. Clark, “I’ll Walk Beside You.” Miss L. Bums “When April Sings”, “The Perfect Day.” The accompanists were Mesdames W. Nicholls, J. Discacaiti, F. AV. Archer, Misses J. Duff and J. Archer. The County Chairman, on behalf of Reefton and Inangahua County residents. welcomed the men home. He knew there were happy hearts in Reefton to-night, and he felt proud to be able to preside at such a function. The exploits of the members of the Second N.Z.E.F. had been followed by all New Zealanders with P r ifl e - „ , x, Crs. Archer and Mirfin also bid the men welcome. . Cr. Mirfin offered the good wishes of Ikamatua residents to the men. Mr. AV. G. Porter, president, Reefton Returned Services’ Association, expressed his pleasure at being able to welcome the men. He spoke of the splendid traditions of the Ist N.Z.E.F. These had been surpassed by members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. AVarrant Officer F. Scarlett, for the men, returned thanks for the welcome accorded them. They were all happy to be home. It was splendid to be among friends, and he felt sure that the men would enjoy and benefit by their stay in New Zealand. Sapper Cockerill also thanked the people for their welcome. Supper was served, and a dance followed for which Mrs. Nicholls, Mrs. Cuniffe and Miss O’Malley provided music. Mrs. Eklund played extras. , Lance Corporal Roma Reid W.A.A.C., is spending leave in Reefton. Mr. H. Pi. Bloxham (Christchurch) is visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. J. Bolitho, Black’s Point. Mrs. E. Reid (Christchurch) is spending a holiday with her mother Mrs. Scarlet. Mr. Williams, newly appointed en-gineer-foreman to the Inangahua County Council, has commenced duty.