WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32629, 3 October 1945, Page 5

WELCOME HOME

WAITAKARURU FUNCTION LARGE CROWD ATTENDS SEVEN SERVICEMEN HONOURED A splendid crowd attended the welcome home extended to returned prisoners of war and others in the Waitakaruru Hall recently. The guests of honour were ex-prisoners of war Pte. P. Edmonds, Pte. J. Sargeant and Pte. E. Malinowski (Pipiroa). 'From the Middle East, .Pte. C. Rountree, Pte. V. Maxwell and Cipl. W. Berridge. From the 'Pacific, L.A.C. M. Simpson. Each succeeding function seems to outrival the proceeding event, and on this occasion the hall was completely transformed with the floral decorations. The committee in charge of this must have spent much time and thought on this work. Around the walls, yellow kowhai intermingled with variegated leaves made a pleasing background, while a huge bowl of Iceland poppies was in a central position on the front of the stage, with coloured arum lilies at each side.

Warren’s Orchestra supplied the music for dancing and Mr T. Burling was M.C. The supper arrangements were a credit to the ladies of the district who so generously contributed poultry, savouries, and cakes of all descriptions and the large crowd present appreciated the sumptuous spread. Mesdames A. McPherson, H. Leach, and A. 'Coxhead were in charge with assistance from other residents.

Following supper the six boys were asked to come forward to the platform when they were greeted with tumultuous applaufee and cheers.Mr George Paton, chairman of the welcome home committee said that there was little he could add to the apparent feeling which had been shown; but on behalf of everyone present and those unable to come he welcomed them back once more. He suggested that if they were going to take advantage of the travelling warrants issued to them, they should stay away for quite a long ,time, and make tobacco and thus help themselves for the future. This was greeted with applause and laughter. Each boy came forward and" expressed his thanks for the kindness shown both whilst away and' for the welcome home. Dancing continued to a late hour.