WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 192, 16 July 1941, Page 8

WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

Woodvillcrs first welcome to a returned member cf the Second N.Z.K. F. took place last evening in the Women's Institute Hall under the auspices, of the Woodvillc and District Patriotic Society, tho guest of honour at an outstandingly successful social function being Captain ('harks it. Mules, N.Z.M.C., wliu was medical other -with the Maori Battalion in the Gieck and Cretan campaigns. A large representation of Woodvillc and district residents participated Picccedings opened with the Maori Battalion victory inarch, into the rendering of which Messrs Hicks and Brookcr infused thrilling vigour and volume. Mean while, Captaii. Mules was escorted down tho hall by tne Mayo and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs It. It. Johnston) and members of the Patriotic (society. The Mayor officially extended the district's most cordial welcome home to Captain Milk's and gave a brief resume of the guest's service as medical officer with tho Maori Battalion in its campaigns, cf which the residents here were justifiably proud. TJic opportunity was also taken to extend congratulations to Captain Mules on his promotion, which had been received while he was on service overseas. Tho Mayer associated with his expression? of welcome tho names of Dr Mules and the Misses Mules, and concluded by expressing the hope that Captain Mules would experience a complete recovery from the wound which had necessitated his return to N«.w Zealand.

! Mr J. Charles, president of tho R.S.A., ! extended that organisation's welcome ro Captain Mules, whom he invited to make uso of tho association whereby to cement the friendships invariably associated with military life and particularly in the field of warfare. Tlr- customary song and cheers were rendered with great enthusiasm in honour ol the guest, v/iio. after acknowledging the welcome, referred descriptively to the immensity of the camp establishments in Egypt as well as seine iconic features, and passed on to the gr<_M welcome given to our troops in Athens and when en route to Katerini Mid further north to Olympus Pass. In their enthusiasm. Captain Mules staled, the people lavished scent upon the troops as thoy marched, and in the campaign regions the villagers were most, gbiierous in gifts of provisions and presents of all kinds. The: evacuees also received great help from the coastal inhabitants. Many Greek towns were bombed by the. enemy, and sad scenes of destruction and evacuation were witnessed. The speaker concluded by affirming his belief lhat New Zealand was the best plat e in the world. Interspersed with dancing, for which Messrs J licks and Brookcr rendered excellent music and Mr W. Bcagley acted as M.C., a programme of interesting items was presented, as follows:-—Humorous recitation, Miss Joyce Ivrivan; cornet solos, Mr D. S. Keay; Women's Institute Glee Club (conr ducted b} Mrs J. MeCormick and accompanied by Mrs Soccer), "Cradle Song." "Oars Are Plashing": lhe Glee Club, with the addition of male voices, "Little Old Garden" and "Old Mother Hubbard";! xylophone selections, Mr 11. Brookcr; humorous sketch. Miss Jean Stephenson, Other accompanists were Mrs R. R. Johnston and Mr K. Hicks. The Glee Club! numbers made a very favourable impression in view cf competitive engagements I spoken of. In giving thanks to all who! assisted the function in various ways, the' Mayor expressed appreciation cf the entertainment from the siage. and paid tribute to the excellent supper provided, the organisation and serving of which was in the charge of Mrs R. C. Leach, ably a-ssisteS by canteen workers cf the Wocdvillc W.W.S.A.