WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32620, 12 September 1945, Page 7

WELCOME HOME

EVENING AT THE BAY TWO SOLDIERS HONOURED OLD FRIENDSHIPS RENEWED The Mercury Bay Hall was> gaily decorated with flags, palms and flowers at the function held on Tuesday, August 21 to extend the usual good wishes to returnedi men, and to show the appreciation felt towards those who have sacrificed so much —Pte. Len Broth and Tpr. Irwin Brophy were both pleased to renew old friendships. There was a good number of visitors from Whenuakite, Coroglen and Tairua. Dancing was continued until about 10.30' p.m. when the presentation was made. Hearty applause greeted l the soldiers as they took their places. Mr Ross, chairman of the patriotic committee, extended the good wishes of those present and called upon Miss Joy Sewell, who presented a very pretty posy of stock, violets and l freesias to Mrs Brott and to Mrs Brophy. Mr H. Simpson was asked to speak on behalf of the residents and commenced by quoting lines from a beautiful poem (R. W. Service) which ably expressed thoughts applicable at such a function and not forgetting those who mourn. These men, he said, were the first to be welcomed since victory was won. Mr Simpson capably expressed the warm feelings felt towards the returned men and 1 presented 1 each with £2 which is always given to all servicemen.

Mr Ross apologised for being unable to get a speaker at short notice for the R.S.A., but he said' the excuse was that .Mr Frank (Brophy always spoke so well others were not willing to try. However, Mr Gordon Ross himself a member of the R.’S.A., very capably expressed himself and extended a hearty return home, speaking highly of the service each soldier had rendered his King and' country and paying a tribute to the esteem in which them were held.

Amidst laughter, (Mr Ross called on Mr Frank Brophy to reply, as l he had always contributed something worthwhile in a speech at all the patriotic functions, although on this occasion the situation was somewhat reversed.

Mr Brophy said he was very pleased to take the opportunity of thanking one and all who had shared in the anxious moments the family had experienced as well as in the relief and joy of the present occasion. Both soldiers l thanked everyone for the great kindness shown and 1 to the friends who had decorated the hall and specially to the ladies of the patriotic committee and helpers who had arranged the usual wonderful supper. All joined in singing “For They Are Joliy (Good Fellows.” The dance programme was l supplied by Mrs’ Rose 'and 1 an extra by MissRuth Beehr. A spot waltz was. won by Mr and, Mrs C. Smith. The evening closed with the singing of the National Anthem.