CHEQUES PRESENTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20573, 5 June 1941, Page 10

CHEQUES PRESENTED

SOLDIERS ON LEAVE TOLAGA BAY FUNCTION (Herald Correspondent.) On Tuesday evening there was a very large gathering of Maoris and Europeans in the Reynolds Hall, Tolaga Bay, to entertain soldiers on leave.

Speaking on behalf of the Tolaga Bay Patriotic Committee, Mr. W. H. Bradley apologised for the absence of Mr. F. W. Shelton, who was attending a refresher camp, and asked all those present to stand in silence as a tribute to those who were serving overseas and had paid the supreme sacrifice, Mr. J. McNeil, chairman of the Uawa County Council, presented each soldier with a cheque from a well wisher, and parcels from the men and women’s patriotic committees. On behalf of the Maori people, Mr. Wupare Amari wished all the soldiers good luck and hoped that they would live up to the name being established by their comrades. To the native soldiers particularly he said it was an honour to fight side by side with the European and he hoped they would telp to keep up the fine name that the Maori Battalion was making for itself. The music during the evening was supplied by Mrs. B. Lincoln, assisted by the Maori orchestra from Mangatuna, while Mr. McCullough was the M.C. Musical items by Mrs. C. McCullough, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Moore, were also given. Supper was arranged by the Tolaga Bay Women’s Institute.

Two of the men on leave were following their brothers, Corporal J. Thompson being the fifth of his family to join the forces and Private L. Morice being the fourth in his family, one of his brothers now being reported missing. Other soldiers present were Privates Nepia Jones, Victor Kutia, W. Maurirere, D. Waitangi, F. Burrows, W. Crowley, J. Nelson, R. McLean, S. Pearson, W. Bellerby, H. Hauwaho, and J. Keelan.