CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3110, 24 April 1942, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

L.A.C. PARTON HONOURED FUNCTION ON THURSDAY PRESENTATION OF MONEY BELT ■' A public farewell was held in the Municipal Chambers on Thursday afternoon in honour of Leading-Air-he presented L.A.C. Parton with a and Mrs A. G. Parton of Miller Avenue, Paeroa, who is home on leave. The deputy-Mayor, Mr H. M. Shand, in the absence of the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, in extending the •best wishes of the citizens of Paeroa to L. A. iC. Parton, said that everybody fully appreciated the sacrifice he was making. ’ Although he was leaving on a great adventure in which there would be hard times there also would be compensations. On behalf of the citizens of Paeroa half of the Returned Services Assomoney belt and the usual Mayoral letter expressing the hope that he would soon be back in Paeroa safe and well.

Mr J. Walmsley, speaking- on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, congratulated the guest of honour on taking up service in the defence of his country, expressing the hope that he would soon ibe safely back in Paeroa, assuring him that the R.S.A. would make it their duty to see that he was .properly treated when he returned. He wished him a safe journey and speedy return. Mr W. Smith also expressed his appreciation of the, sacrifice L.A.C. Parton was making and wished hirii the best Of luck in the future. Mr McMillan paid a tribute to L.A.C. Parton in coming forward to serve his country. Although he would have many trials and tribulations to face he would be carried on by the thought that soon he would be joining those brave young men who have done so much for the Empire. “We of. Paeroa are proud of you and proud of what you are doing. Your progress will be keenly watched by us all,” stated Mr McMillan. He wished him God-speed and a safe return and in conclusion offered him the advice to never forget his father and mother and to write to them regularly. Rev. J. R. Nelson said he had. a personal interest in L.A.C. Parton and fully appreciated the high quality of his character. His solid, sterling character would serve him in good stead in the days which lie ahead. Mr R. S. Carden expressed his admiration of L.A.C. Parton in his decision to join the Air Force. He said that he appreciated the great, task with which airmen were faced and the hard study which it was necessary for them to do. “To pass the examination required by the Air Force requires definite qualifications and sterling courage’,” said Mr Carden.

Continuing, Mr Carden said he was sure Leading-Aircraftman Parton would acquit himself with credit, explaining that the foundation of any boy’s character was laid in his home and those knowing the guest of honour’s parents knew the right stuff was in L.A.C. Parton. He wished him the best of good luck for the future. In expressing his appreciation of the kindness shown by the people of Paeroa, L.A.C. Parton said he was very proud to be in the Air Force and was itching to get into it with his comrades who had gone ahead of him. He expressed his thanks foi' the gift, saying he would always be thinking of those who had been so kind, to him. The function closed with the singing of “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow,” and cheers. .