WELCOMED HOME

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 225, 22 August 1945, Page 5

WELCOMED HOME

RETURNED SERVICEMEN. CIVIC DINNER TENDERED. A civic dinner and welcome home to men from the Middle East and England and former prisoners of war was held at the Rosco tearooms last evening. There was a large attendance. Speaking of the glad news received last Wednesday, the Mayor (Mr Mansford) said that there were still incomprehensible issues to be surmounted. "Millions in Europe are facing starvation," he said, "and many have no clothing and little shelter. Anything can shatter the foundations of 'civilisation. It is the time for action, not wishful thinking. It is evervone's job to relieve the distress in Europe." Mr Mansford said that everyone professed to be a Christian and it was time to practise the principles of Christianity. In proposing the toast "Absent Comrades," Lieutenant G. D. Stuart said that the men who had returned had a great task ahead to see that those who would not return had not given their lives in vain. "We are proud of the service rendered by the men overseas _ and their great determination to finish Hitlerism and all other 'isms'," said Cr D. F. Smillie in proposing the toast of the "Fighting Services." He said that no doubt many cities would be erecting memorials to the men who had gone overseas, but he considered the best way to commemorate their service was to see that they were settled in civilian life. By settled he meant Mettled in positions which they would have had but for going overseas. Tn reply, Flight-Lieut. E. J. Abraham said that all the men appreciated what had been done for them, especially in the provision of patriotic parcels. The returned men must see that there were no more wars. Other toasts honoured were: —"The King" ; "The New Zealand Parliament," proposed by Mr A. M. Ongley, and responded to by Mr J. Hodgens, M.P. ; "The National Patriotic Fund Board," Mr C. C. Marsack, S.M.—Mr B. J. Jacobs. Items were given by Messrs F. Olsen (card tricks), S. J. Carr (one-string violin solos), J. Pizzey and C. E. Stevens (vocal) and L. Flowers (ventriloquist).