WHITIANGA FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3252, 14 April 1943, Page 6

WHITIANGA FAREWELL

LARGE CROWD ATTEND DANCE PRESENTATION TO SOLDIERS On Monday, April 5, IGO' residents of Mercury Bay gathered together in the public hall in order to attend the dance given as a public farewell to the men of the district who were on leave. The farewell took the form of a dance arranged by the Patriotic Committee and was run hy the M.C., Mr Hemmings. Mrs Ross supplied the music on her piano accordeon, the extras being given by the group of young lads who sing in harmony while strumming “ukes” and 1 guitars to the beat of Mr Hemmings’ castanets. ,

During the evening presentations were made to Troopers Lowe, Jackman, McKenzie, Peachey, Corporals Wood and N. James, and Signalman L. V. Smith. The chairman of the Patriotic Committee, Mr Pooley, said a few words and then -called upon Mr Brophy, president of the Returned Services Association, to address the gathering and the men being farewelled.

Mr Brophy congratulated the men upon being members of the worldfamous Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force and quoted the Challenge of 1915, from the poem by Lt.-Col. John McCrae, “Take Up Our Quarrel With the Foe”:— “To you from failing hands we throw The Torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.” Mr Brophy stressed how they were carrying on the traditions of the returned soldiers and carrying high the light of freedom. Mr Brophy also mentioned the wives, whom he said must “keep their, chins up.” A presentation of cash was handed to each man leaving the district by Mr Brophy, on behalf of the Patriotic Committee, and the speaker concluded his remarks with the hope of a speedy and safe return. Mr Pooley, on behalf of the “Busy Bees,” also presented each man with a parcel containing knitted garments for use on active service, and then called on Lieut. M. A. Brook to address the gathering. Lieut. Brook extended thanks to Mr Brophy and to the public of Whitianga. The lieutenant conveyed the apologies of Major McCarrol and Captain Evans, of the Independent Mounted Rifles, who were unpble to attend the farewell. Lieut. Coakley and Sergt.-Major Tarr were welcomed as representatives of the No. 3 Troop.

Response on behalf of the Independent Mounted Riflemen who were being farewelled was given by Trooper Peachey who mentioned that the men would uphold the traditions given them. Signalman L. V. Smith responded suitably on his own behalf. Lieut. Brook then expressed appreciation for the assistance given by all at Whitianga, and particularly directed-the appreciative comments towards Mr W. Lee, of Whitianga, who had gven unfailing and unstinted assistance to himself and the Troop during the time of mobilisation and during the time they had been in Whitianga. ’ At the conclusion of these remarks, Mr Hemmings escorted Mr and .Mrs W. Lee to the stage, where Lieut. Brook presented a pennant and a gift of cash as a mark of appreciation from the Independent Mounted Rifles.

Mr Lee responded and stressed that the little service rendered to the lieutenant and the troop was his duty in the service of his country.

After the presentations, dancing continued, the winners of the Monte Carlo being Mr and Mrs McKay, of ■Coroglen. The ladies of the district provided a delightful supper.