Home Guard

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 22, 29 October 1941, Page 5

Home Guard

' 9 • FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION a The Lower Hutt Home Guard celebrated its first birthday with a social at)d dance, held in the Horticultural Hall on Tuesday night of .l|st week. More than members of the Homo Guard and their wives attended 1 . Red, white and blue streamers, the Union Jack, the New Zealand flag, and a large scintillating V provided a patriotic note. The stage was banked with greeriery and mock orange blossom, the work of Mrs. James Stellin and helpers. Dancing was interspersed with a short programme, which included vocal Items by Mrs. Wilfred Andrews and Corporal Falls, with Mrs. J. W. Andrews and Mr. J. Mann as accompanists. Mrs. Burrell and party presented a sketch, also Mrs. L.. Muir and Mr. C. Mulr, and Mr. Burridge gave ventriloquist items. The Mayoress, Mrs. J. W. Andrews, who was on the stage with her committee, said that the women had all witnessed parades of the Home Guard, and though that body was as yet an infant, it was a de' cidedly lusty one. She wished the Home Guard, not "many happy returns of the day," but a speedy return Of peace. Mrs. Andrews lit the one candle on the birthday cake. Major Andrews, Mayor of Lower Hutt, expressed the warm thanks of the battalion to the women's committee for its invaluable assistance, and stated that there was still room for members. He expressed appreciation of the expert instruction in many specialised branches, for the officers and n.c.o.'s were skilled men from all walks of life, and pleasure at the presence of the mounted men, also representatives from Taita, Upper Hutt and the Rimutakas. Mr. Cato congratulated Mr. Andrews on attaining the rank of major, and called for three cheers, with musical honours, for Mrs. Andrews, who had been so indefatigable as chairman of the women's committee. The Home Guard Band presented items during the evening, and the Rhythm Aces gave their services in playing for the dancing.