CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3248, 5 April 1943, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

PRESENTATIONS MADE FUNCTION FRIDAY NIGHT SEVEN SOLDIERS HONOURED There was a'good attendance at the civic farewell tendered in the Paeroa Borough Chambers on Friday night, the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, presiding.

The guests of honour were Sgt. H. Thomas, Sgt. K. C. Niblock, Sgt. Derrick Jennings, Corporal G.. A. Gamble, Corporal IP. L. Wheaton, Gunner D.. Hill, Trooper J. G. Clark and Private Dori Jennings. *

In making the usual presentation of a money-belt accompanied by a letter from the people of Paeroa, the Mayor expressed admiration of the spirit in .which the men were going forward to deal with the task ■which was at present facing the Empire. Many, he said, were making great sacrifices, leaving behind them wives and families. He expressed his great admiration of the spirit in which the wives left behind were facing up to the position.

. To-day, continued the Mayor, men ■ from New Zealand were fighting, in mapy parts of the world and all were acquiting themselves in a manner which, made the Dominion proud of .them. He referred to the latest news from North Africa in which New Zealanders had again played a leading part. “It is very pleasing indeed to hear one of the greatest men in the world ■ to-day, the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, speak so highly of the New Zealand Division in North Africa. We cannot help but feel justly proud of these men,” said Mr Edwards. 'Continuing, the Mayor stated that he knew the men present would conduct themselves as bravely as those who they would shortly join in the fight in which the Empire was engaged to protect all that was held dear.

Speaking to the married men, the Mayor assured them that the jPae- ' Toa District Patriotic Committee would do all possible to help theii wives during their absence and if tiiey met with trouble he advised thejn -to consult him, the secretary •or any other members of the committee or the Paeroa Borough Council and all possible would .be done to ■clear up the trouble. The Mayos. then spoke personally , to each soldier recalling incidents of their early life in the town or district and then conveyed to them on behalf '• of the citizens of Paeroa very best . wishes for'a'safe and speedy return, expressing the hope that they would expei’ience much pleasure among the ‘ hardships in the days which day ahead. Mr D. G. McMillan assured the men that the people of Paeroa wished to do all possible for the boys and althought the gift was merely a small token, it carried with it the best wishes of the town.

He introduced a touch of humour into the function by referring to various incidents in the earlier life of the .guests of honour. Continuing, Mr McMillan said he well knew the men would fill the position they were being asked to take with great credit to New Zealand and would carry on the tradition established 'by the men who went before them. He paid a high compliment to ‘the New Zealand Division serving in Africa, pointing out that no matter what had been asked of them, whether desert fighting or action among the hills, the New Zealand boys had done their job with credit. In conclusion he wished the guests of honour Godspeed and a safe return.

Mr W. Smith said that while he was glad to be present he was sorry the men were going away. He wished them a safe and speedy return. Touching on the subject of rehabilitation he quoted figures of men and women already discharged from the Armed Forces, urging that everything possible should be done ; for these people. He stated that the best that could be done was to provide these men and women with a home free of charge. He added his best wishes for a safe return to New Zealand.

Mr B. Gwilliam assured the men that he appreciated the sacrifice they were making, especially the married men. He. also referred to the question of rehabilitation, urging that ■only the very best was good enough for the men when they returned at the end of the war. He wished the ■guests of honour all good luck- and a safe return in good health to their homes. All the men/present in turn j expressed their apprec : ation of the good wishes extended tb them, the function closing with the singing of ■“For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” followed by three rousing cheers.