WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32429, 10 May 1944, Page 7

WELCOME HOME

DANCE AT COROMANDEL SOLDIERS FROM PACIFIC MEN HAPPY TO BE BACK St. George’s Hall, Coromandel, was the scene of a welcome home dance on Friday, April 28, when Cpl. H. Purser and Ptes. Alan Gamble and Fred Dick were the guests of the evening. These men had just returned from the Pacific and were looking well and were very glad to 'be back home again. Mr C. C. Rae, welcomed the men home on behalf of the people of Coromandel and added his personal tribute in saying he was proud, honoured and happy to welcome home some more of the boys from the Pacific. ‘When these boys went away,” continued Mr Rae, “Coromandel was a black-out because of a possible Japanese attack —now because of necessity. (Laughter). I hope they’ll settle down again and carry on where they left off. We recognise the great part taken by our boys in this world struggle and we will do our utmost to help them to settle down again when the time comes for them all to lay down their arms in our defence,” said Mr Rae.

“For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” was heartily sung and three hearty cheers emphasised the welcome accorded the men.

Cpl. Purser in replying said that in the old army style the boys had passed the 'buck on to him. He said how pleased they were to be back in a civilised country once mojre. “No one has any idea how much the boys have been through—not only those who have been in. action.” They had been in a most inhospitable country and

what a pleasure it was' to see green grass again—I don’t think I helped very much on the road to Tokio—'but the weary months of routine in NewCaledonia, where there was no town life and no civilisation, made it all the more wonderful to be back and see friendly faces. On behalf of my two cobbers and self I thank you for the welcome here to-night,” he said. (Acclamation). . A tasty supper was then served. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs E. M. Lucas and Perfect and extra foxtrots were played by Miss B. Davis. Gnr. A. Willetts was M.C., and Mr Scott Ward took charge at the door. Dancing concluded at midnight.

Further Coromandel News will be found on Pages 6 and 8.