BUFFET TEA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32360, 17 November 1943, Page 6

BUFFET TEA

6 3RVICEMEN ENTERTAINED COROMANDEL FUNCTION VERY ENJOYABLE BANQUET The Coromandel Patriotic Committee organised and tendered a buffet tea in the St. George’s Hall, Coromandel, on Tuesday, November 9, in honour of returned servicemen. The tables were daiifiily and tastefully set out and were well stocked with all sorts of eatables and drinks in such a manner as to obviate the need for waiters. After all had done justice to the good things provided the following toast list was carried out. The loyal toast was drunk with full musical honours, this was followed by the toastmaster, Dr. F. T. Birkinshaw calling on the chairman, Mr C. C. Rae to propose the toast of the “Army, Navy and Air Force.” This was responded to by W.O. A. A. McCall, R.N.Z.A.F. The next toast was “Fallen Comrades” which was spoken to by Mr P. J. Murphy, president of Coromandel Returned Services Association and drunk in silence. Then came “Our Allies,” which was proposed by Dr. Birkinshaw. The final toast on the list was announced by the toastmaster as “The Patriotic Committee,” to be proposed by Cpl. D. J. McNeil,’ who spoke highly of the work of the organisation and of how much it was appreciated -by the boys overseas. This toast was responded to by Mr J. H. Lucas, the secretary of the Coromandel Inter-Zone Patriotic Committee. The chairman, Mr C. C. Rae, then suggested there should be another toast and he proposed a toast to the Coromandel Township Patriotic Committee, that loyal and hard-working band of workers who were always ready to provide evenings such as this. He called on Mrs Lynne, the chairman of the Coromandel Township Patriotic Committee to reply. Mrs Lynne dulyresponded.

With the autographing of menu cards, a very happy and successful tea was brought to a close.

SOCIAL AND DANCE LARGE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE A social and dance followed in the main hail when a large crowd was present. The music was supplied by Mrs D. Stewart and Lee Perfect, while extras were played by Mr A. Ruthe and was very much appreciated by the dancers. Mr Ivan McCall acted as M.C. During the evening Mr Rae, on ibehalf of the people of Coromandel greeted Sgt. R. Hannaford, R.N.Z.A.F. who was on leave. He wished him au revoir, the best of luck and a speedy return and handed him an engraved wallet from the people of Coromandel with their good wishes for his success and safe return. » Sgt. Hannaford suitably replied. “For He’s A Jolly 'Good fellow,” was sung, followed by hearty applause and cheers. Winners of the Monte Carlo dances were Miss Esme Riley ’and Dvr. G. Maurice, Mrs J. Hinchco and Mrs C.. Little. The blackout spot waltz was won by Opl. D. G. McNeil and Miss, Price. A third Monte Carlo was won by Mr and Mrs A. Hamilton. Towards the end of the evening Dr. if* Birkinshaw mentioned that as everybody knew there had been a fire on the Monday night when an old Maori lady aged about 9'5 had lost all her possessions including a wireless. Mr T. Lillis had offered to take round a hat on her behalf, The sum of £4-odd was raised towards the cost of another wifeless for her. Dancing continued till the early hours. Among the servicemen present as' guests were the following:—W.O. A. A. McCall, R.N.Z.A.F., L.A.C. H. J. McCall, R.N.Z.A.F., Fly.-Officer Les Malpas, R.N.Z.A.F. (Tauranga), Pte. Phil. Jennings, 2nd. N.Z.E.F. (Waihi), Pte. Ivan Lundberg, 2pd. N.Z.'E.F., Pte ; G. j. Perfect, 2nd. N.Z.E.F.. Cpl. D. G. McNeil, 2nd. N.Z.E.F., Dvr. G. Maurice. 2nd. N.Z.E.F., Spr. V. T. hraser, 2nd. N.Z.E.F. (Forestry UniQ, Spr. F. Saunders. 2nd. N.Z.E.F. (Forestry Unit). Sgt. A. W. Gates, I 2nd. N.Z.E.F. (Hamilton). | (My .-Officer Les Malpas was navigator and ooserver in the same nlane 23 W.O. A. A. McCall in many of their operations over Britain and foreign territory). Telegrams of apology for absence were received Pte. S. W. Long, Dvr. Roy McNeil, L.-Cpl. J. Smith and Pte. Dave Brown.