COBDEN FAREWELL

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 10

COBDEN FAREWELL

Second Echelon Men The Cobden School Gymnasium was packed when residents farewelled 22 Cobden members of the Second Echelon. The function was a most enthusiastic one, reflecting great credit on the committee in charge. Music was supplied by Marley’s Orchestra and Messrs E. Brailsford and P.'Sweetman acted as -M’s.C. Prior to supper, the chairman (Mr. R. Roper), welcomed the Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham), and asked him to make the presentation cf a vallet of notes to each departing soldier. The Mayor apologised for his absence on previous occasions, and congiatufated the Cobden committee on its splendid efforts for the men of both echelons. The twenty-two .men honoured that evening were all Cobden boys. He trusted that everyone would endeavour to keep contact with the boys when overseas. As Mayor cf Greymouth, he wished to congratulate all the men on the step they had taken, and on behalf of the people he wished them good luck and a safe return. He desired, too, to offer a hearty welcome to Chief Petty Officer Homer, who fought in Ii.M.S. Achilles. All were proud to have a representative of New Zealand’s own ship present with them. Each man was greeted with loud applause as he mounted the stage, and, after Capt. E. Caldwell had returned thanks, all were toasted with musical honours. The following soldiers received wallets: —Capt. E. Caldwell, L/Cor. J. J. Crooks, L/Cor. Rux Gilmour. L/Cor. J. Harrison, L/Cor. H. Spencer, Privates H. Joseph, C. Joseph, R. Inglis A. Inglis, F. Lindborn, C. Vincent, W. Hogan, J. Phelan Hill J. Nash, A. Lamberton, L. Williams, Briggs, R. Thomson, R. Kirkwood, W. Buchanan.

ROTOMANU FAREWELL. The Rotomanu Hall was crowded to capacity on Saturday evening last, when a farewell dance was given for Privates Stanley and Harold Joseph, who were presented with wristlet watches and wallets, the presentation being made by Mr. John Ryan. Private Matt Fisher was also made a presentation by the people of Poerua and Inchbonnie, the presentation being mad 0 by Mr. L. Budd. Several items were givei'i. The music was supplied by Mr. N. Nestor, and extias by Mrs. B. Rowse. '