MEN ON LEAVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 139, 14 May 1941, Page 8

MEN ON LEAVE

FUNCTION IN OPERA HOUSE. -Mon of the Nt’iv Zealand Expeditionary Eoroo who are at present on leave in Palmerston North were guests at a farewell function in the Opera House last evening. His Worship the -Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) presided and also on the siage were Messrs W. B. foment, A. Grigor, J. T. J. ! leaf ley, i). E. Smillie, G. Tremaine, H. id. Towushend, K. A. Henderson, •I. it. Hardie, and Lieutenant K. Chamberlain. Apologies lor absence were received Irom -Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., incut. C. V. Ciocbetto, Major W . G. Ashworth, Lieut. J. Ryan, and -Messrs J. A. Nash, J. A. Grant, and W. It. Hoperoft. Following the singing of the National Anthem, Air Manslord said he was sure all looked upon it as a privilege to be able to lie present to do honour to the young men who wore oil their leave. “This war,” continued Mr -Mansford, “which was not of our seeking, has now been going on for over 18 months, and we have seen one country after another overrun. crippled, and broken, but England—and pray God there will always be an England—still remains to fight on. Her people have been magnificent. They have been bombed night alter night, their hospitals wrecked, and now such places as Westminster Abbey, tlie House of Commons, and other places of historic value have been wantonly destroyed, but through it all England fights on and steadily prepares lor the day of retribution which, now we have the might of the United States to assist 11s, we hope is not tar off. The young men of this Dominion have responded magnificently to the call of the motherland and to you young men of this city and district. 1 say with all sincerity, that we honour you for what you are doing. Wo know you will worthily uphold the traditions of 1914-18 and more recently in Greece. We who are left behind are prepared to make any sacrifice the Government may deem necessary for your comfort, your success, and your safety. Wc extend „ ..u our best wishes wherever you may be and look forward to the day when we can give you a right royal welcome home.” Messrs 13. .1. Jacobs and T\. A. Henderson and Lieut. Cham!>erlairi also wished the men the best of luck.

Mr Mansford then presented each of the 11 men present with a razor and a monov belt.

l/ieut. Coles, on behalf of the men. thanked all for their expressions of goodwill and said he felt quite sure the men would not disappoint them.