SOLDIER HONOURED

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4591, 12 November 1942, Page 2

SOLDIER HONOURED

Another Queenstown soldier was honoured in the Garrison Hall on Monday last when a fitting send-off social and dance was tendered to Pte. Allan Sanders, fourth son of Mrs Sanders. There was a large attendance of wellwishers including several soldiers on leave. During an interval in a very enjoyable dance, the honoured guest was invited to come on the stage and he had with him a number of other servicemen. Dr Anderson, chairman of the Farewell committee said that it was their privilege to honour the third member of a very highly respected family who was shortly to go overseas. The speaker referred to the improved war position and the splendid work of the N. Z. Expeditionary Force in Egypt and he felt sure that Pie. Sanders would worthily uphold the high traditions of the men who preceded him. He wished him fortune and a right hearty welcome to his home town when the war was over. Rev. Father Martin said it was pleasing to see young men of the type of Allan Sanders going forward to fight for their country. He said their church took a particular interest in all soldiers leaving the country irrespective of denomination or creed. Fortunately the Vatican City was set apart from the war zone and by means of a bureau of information many of the relatives of missing soldiers held as prisoners of war, etc., were able to trace the whereabouts of their kin. The bureau had had as many as 2CU,UOO requests in the six months ended March, 1942 and of these, information had been given in 148,000 cases. A great work is being done. Fullest information can be obtained through the apostolic delegate in Australia. He wished Pte. Sanders the best of luck and hoped it would not be long before he was home again. Mr W. D. Warren spoke on behalf of the K.S.A. whose president was unable to be present. He stressed the fact that returned soldiers’ interests would be safeguarded after the war. He extended his best wisehs to Pte. ISauders. The chairman then handed to Pte. Sanders gifts from the Farewell Committee and the local branch of the the president being unable to attend.

Musical honours were given for the guest of the evening after which he briefly replied. Supper was then handed round after which the dance was resumed to good quality music provided by the Melody Makers dance band.