WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32628, 1 October 1945, Page 4

WELCOME HOME

FUNCTION AT NGATEA TASK BEFORE THE PUBLIC SIX SERVICEMEN HONOURED There was a large crowd gathered in the Ngatea Hall to welcome back to the district local boys who have had service overseas. The guests of honour were; —Major S. W. Paifitt, L.A.C. Rt Kennedy, L.A.C. J. King, Gpl. L..R. Sherlock, Pte. R. •Mclntosh, and Gunner A. H. Clark. Introducing the county chairman, Mi* O. W. Parfitt, to those present, Mr E. Sherlock said how good Jt was to be extending a welcome to these ooys instead of a farewell.

Mr 'Parfitt, after extending a very hearty welcome, stated that as this was the first welcome in the district since the cessation of hostilities, it wa& done with much lighter hearts owing to the secure knowledge that there are no more boys in the firing line. By the efforts of these boys . and their comrades, he said, the young people of to-day will be privileged to rule themselves and it is the duty of every person to read the papers, just to see what would have happened if it had not been for the efforts of the men of the forces. Many of tffese men will be returning home sick and ■maimed 1 and) it is a public duty to, above all, practise tolerance toward them.

Concluding, he said, that the world could be greatly helped if each and every one of the people did their best ini the task at present engaged, addressing the boys, he once again, on behalf of the people of Ngatea, welcomed! them back and extended them “a thousand thanks.” Each of the guests suitably replied, especially mentioning the Ngatea Patriotic Committee which they said, had done so much for them while away. Mr Parfitt spoke briefly concerning the Patriotic work and 1 emphasised the fact that even though the war was over there was still a great need for patriotic money to assist returned men and those who are not yet home and urged that everyone contribute to the appeal for this year. (Musical honours were accorded'. An extra was supplied) by Miss D» Stitchbury. Music was by the Morrinsville Collegians. The Monte Carlo- was won by Mr R. Harding and Miss F. Waite. Among those present were ; — ■Mesdames P. Benner, E. Sherlock, •Gt Hunt, L. Riddell, B. Hodgson, N. Alach, S. Phelps, S'. Barriball, W. Flint, F. Speedy, CL McCarthy, A. Leonard, E. Jackson, H. Hayward, D. Waite, J. Vercoe, A. Mclntosh. T. Sydenham, S. Parfitt, V. Phillips, A. Courtney, E. Barber, F. Hammond, A. Wheeler, Frecklington ('Palmerston North). Misses I. Jackson, I. Hodgson, O» Alach, F. Waite, N. ’Sherlock, C. Hodgson, G. Alach, N. Phelps, G. Dalgety, B. Beck, E. Wallis, E. Challis, J. Thomas, E. Marchant, N. Laurence, M. MdWatters, P. Noble, P. Boyden, E. .Laurich, V. Billings, L. Coow, CD. Day, I>. Stitchbury, U. Douglas, E. Moore, I>, Doqglas, M. Cadmon, D, Philp, M. Milne, D. Cock.