A GREAT SUCCESS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32345, 11 October 1943, Page 5

A GREAT SUCCESS

PAEROA SMOKE CONCERT

MUSIC, SONG AND HUMOUR

SERVICEMEN ENTERTAINED

Outstanding artists from both Auckland and Paeroa, supported by an orchestra of 12 instruments, a supper which included sucking pig and mussels and an attendance in the vicinity of 300- people were the highlights of the complimentary smoke concert tendered to the men of the Second New Zealand Expeditioary Force returned from overseas by the PaeroaHauraki Returned Services Association in the Civic Hall on Saturday evening. The president, Mr Edwin Edwards presided. Eleven veterans of the South African War were present together with 50 servicemen of the present war, the guests of honour being piped in to their places at the opening of the function.

f Proceedings were opened by the orchestro with an item from Franci Day Jubilee selections after which the chairman extended a welcome to the visitors.

Mr J. Walmsley proposed the toast to the South African War veterans and this was replied to by Mr J. F,; Mayn (Patetonga), who remarked that the South African war had been a good one except for the commissariat. Mr Dudley Wrathall (Auckland), with a number of jokes then entertained for a while.

The chairman in proposing the toast of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force referred to their deeds in the Middle East. They had, he said, suffered defeats as well as gained victories but no matter what the circumstances they had faced all things with fortitude. New Zealand had watched and had been thrilled by the way in which they had carried out their duties. They had followed the men of the South African and Great Wars and had fully upheld all their traditions. War Should End Soon Continuing, Mr Edwards referred to the need for most of them to go back, assuring them that they would carry with them the best wishes of all together w’ith the hope that they would return again soon. He expressed the h'ope that other units in turn would have the privilege of coming home for a spell. Speaking of the successes of the Allies, Mr Edwards expressed the hope that the war would not last much longer, assuring the guests of honour of* the heartiest of welcomes when they came home after final victory.

Mr >P. Caisley entertained with a song, “Waltzing Matilda,” and a community sing song. Major S. J. Hedge responded to the toast to the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, referring to the high standards set by the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the way in which the Second' New Zealand Expeditionary Force had lived up to this tradition. Outnumbered in Greece 14 to one and in the air 100 to one and with no armour the Second New ’Zealand Expeditionary Force had had to leave their guns behind on that occasion. While in Crete they had a particularly tough time and although short of food and equipment put up a stout defence on the island. Later times also, had been tough but the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force had lived up fully to the standard set. A particular tribute was paid by Major Hedge to the work of the Navy. Pte Alex. Armourl also responded to the toast of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, saying that they had always tried to do the job set them. He also paid a tribute to the work of the Navy, especially at Greece. Patriotic Work Appreciated

'Sgt. L. McDonald (Kaihere) also responded to the toast, referring to the example set the Second. New Zealand Expeditionary Force by the First New Zealand Expeditionary, Force. The work of the patriotic organisations in New Zealand had been much appreciated by the men overseas, he said. He also thanked the R.S.A. for the help they had rendered.

Mr Barney Grant (Auckland) sang two comic songs, “The Fireman, ’ and a parody on “The Road To Mandalay, and the orchestra rendered “Savoy American Medley,” and “El Capitan March.”

Mr E. A. Mahoney (Ngatea), in proposing the toast of the Air Force referred to the 1914-18 war when the Air Force was in its infancy. He traced its growth and paid a high tribute to the service it had rendered, especially in saving Britain in 1940. New Zealanders had made a great name for themselves in the present war, both in the air and on land, said thie speaker. Flight-Sgti Hamish Wilson, was

accorded a great ovation when he rose to reply to this toast. Dudley Wrathall next entertained with recitations and humour together with the song, “Plymouth Hoe.” The toast of the Navy was proposed by Mr W. Pirie who also read a poem paying tribute to the Leander. Petty-Officer E. Hollinshead and Ordinary-Seaman Hounslow both replied to this toast. Hr P. Caisley entertain with humour and stories. Nursing Sisters The toast to the Nursing Sisters was proposed, by Sgt. L. McDonald (Kaihere), who paid a fine tribute to their work especially in the heat. of Egypt Replying Cpl. J. Silcock said he had seen the work of the nurses from England; New Zealand and Italy and all they were concerned with was the comfort and care of the patients in their charge regardless of nationality.

The toast of the Returned Services Association was proposed by Major S. J. Hedge who traced the history and growth of the organisation. Mr J. M. Craig replied. Mr Punch Taupaki spoke on behalf pf the Maori members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was supported by Mr J. Hou. The function was brought to a close by the chairman who expressed thanks to the artists, the orchestra and all who had helped to make the function such a success either by donations or services.

“Auld Lang Syne” brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.