WREATH SERVICE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21152, 21 July 1943, Page 4

WREATH SERVICE

TRIBUTE TO COMRADES FURLOUGH GROUP PLANS SATURDAY’S FUNCTIONS Prior to the civic reception to be accorded to them on Saturday at the Drill Hall, members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force now on furlough in their home dis• trict will march to the War Memorial and lay thereon a wreath in memory of their comrades who did not survive the long series of campaigns in (he Middle East. An invitation to take part in this salute to fallen comrades has been initiated by leading representatives of the furlough group, and it is now proposed that the Middle East veterans assemble at the Drill Hall at 11.15 a.m. on Saturday to carry out their own ceremony before the hour fixed for the public welcome. This visit to the War Memorial will be brief, but it is felt that the tribute is a fitting prelude to the public function in which they will take part, later. The public welcome, sponsored by the local authorities of Gisborne and Cook County, is scheduled for 12.13 pan., and should conclude by 12.45 o'clock. The time of commencement has been arranged to fall -in with the convenience of shop staffs and employers as far as possible, and also with that of householders. The open space fronting the Drill Hall will furnish ample room for the spectator's at the function, and loud- speakers will be installed for the convenience of those who are unable to find positions near the platform. The claims of the next-of-kin of service people are to be catered for as far as seating accommodation will allow. Seats will be provided lor a considerable number of these people, and the public is to be asked for co-operation in ensuring that this accommodation is reserved for next-of-kin, with preference, of course, for the aged and infirm;

Luncheon at Poho-o-Rawiri

Following the public welcome, veterans of the Middle East campaigns will be the guests of the Gisborne Returned Services’ Association at a luncheon at Poho-o-Rawiri. Invitations to this function are ;being issued to discharged members of the forces who have been in contact with the enemy, including R.N.Z.A.F. .personnel now serving in this district after tours of duty in the active theatres of war. Owing to uncertainties regarding addresses, it -is possible that not all the invitations can be delivered, and veterans in the above categories who do not receive the association’s invitation before Friday should communicate with the secretary, Mr. A. H. Miller, on Friday morning

Owing to lack of space, attendance at the luncheon will lye limited to the veterans themselves, arid 'transport will be furnished -from the Drill Hall to Poho-o-R'awiri. The return of the service people to town after luncheon also will be arranged for, in time for them to accept the invitation of the East Coast ‘Provincial Patriotic -Council to attend an afternoon picture programme in company with their next-of-kin.

The smoke concert in the evening is being organised .under -the management of the Patriotic Council, and is to take place in Le Grand Cafe. This function will provide those still in uniform with a further opportunity to exchange news arid divisional gossip with their comrades 'who .since serving abroad have returned to New Zealand for discharge.

Saturday’s functions .will not ;cover the whole of the celebrations proposed in connection with the return of th.c Second N.Z.E.F. furlough group,' fos*. at a later ' date the men will toe tendered a ball at which their next-of-kin will be especially catered for.