RIMU WELCOME

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1941, Page 4

RIMU WELCOME

TO PRIVATE PAT KNOWLES. The residents of Rimu and stock turned out in full force on Monday evening to welcome home Private Pat Knowles, who has been invalided home from the Middle East, where he fought in. the Greece and Crete campaigns, in the latter of which he suffered tne less of his left eye as well as other minor injuries. True to the spirit of the West Coast he was given a rousing reception, which no doubt will iong be remembered by the young soldier. At the foot of the Rimu hill the people of Woodstock gathered and with the children forming a guard or honour with flags, tne car drove under a banner inscribed “Welcome Home.” Mr W. Willoughby on the residents’ behalf expressed their pleasure at Private Knowles' home-com-ing and welcomed him back to their midst. 7 nett e Corson presented Pte. Knowles with cigarettes. Rimu was reached in a few minutes and all the townsfolk had assembled. Greetings and handclasps were exchanged, thewhole scene oeing one of great pleasure at seeing back again one who had nobly done his bit. The residence of Mr and Mrs Knowles was gaily decorated with greenery, clematis and coloured lanterns. At the gateway an arch of greenery and flowers in reu, white and blue was erected, whereon was. written the words “Welcome Home.” Amid cheers the young soldier entered his home through a line of children formed at the gateway. Two bonfires were burning on either side of the street and added to the scene of welcome. Later in the evening upwards ot 80 people assembled at Mr and Mrs Knowles’ home. In addition to the guest of honour there were also present Privates B. McCormick, ot Rimu, and K. Wallace, of Hokitika, who were invalided home about two months ago. The Rimu Home Guare; paraded in full force and did honour to the newly returned soldiers. Mr O. Wildbore, commander of the Guard and a veteran of the Great War, welcomed Ptes. Knowles and McCormick back home and stated they were proud of their exploits. On'behalf of the assembled men he had much pleasure in presenting to Pte. Knowles and McCormick silver cigarette cases as la memento and token of esteem in which they were held. Each in turn returned thanks and Pte. Wallace I also thanked them for the tributes paid. „ _ _ On behalf of the people of Mana- ' nui, who were represented by Messrs J. Phillips and W. Johnston, the former extended a welcome home to Pte. Knowles, whose father, Mr W. Knowles has been an employee of the mill for the past 23 years. Mr Knowles said the speaker, was highly esteemed bv them all, and it gave h?m much pleasure to be present that evening to welcome his son heme again. Replies were made by Mr Knowles and Mr T. Hatch. Community sing ng. interspersed with items was much enjoyed, • the following contributing: Mrs W. Knowles, Miss Betty Agnew, Messrs P. D. and J. Keenan, B. Agnew, J. Wilson, Brown, Dale and T. Hatch. Mrs J. Wilson and Mr J. Phillips were the accompanists. Among the ladies present it was much pleasure to see two of Rimu's old. identities in the nerson of Mrs M. Stephens (Granny)’ and Mrs E. Shannon, and like the young ones they joined heartily in the fun. A beautiful sunper was served by the ladies of Rimu and the function concluded at midnight with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King. Mr Dudley Keenan was M.C.