Feilding Members of Special Force Farewelled

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 270, 2 November 1940, Page 3

Feilding Members of Special Force Farewelled

GATHERING YESTERDAY MORNING An informal civic function was held at the Beresford tea rooms, Feilding, yesterday morning when members of tho special force about to proceed overseas were accorded a send-off. The Mayor (Mr. T. L. Seddon) who is chairman of the Feilding Patriotic Society, presided and there were also present Cr. A. C. McCorkindale, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P., Mr. F. J. Allen, vice-president of the local R.S.A. as well as members of the R.S.A. and of the Patriotic Society. The members of the special force farewelled were Sister A. J. Goldsmith, Corporal S. G. Sauer, Privates A. E. Anderson, L. Ewen, C. D. Findlay, G. A. Harford, W. F. Ingram and XV. Patton. Privates A. L. Foss and H. D. Leeks, who had already returned to their units were given presentations before leaving, these taking the form of leather wallets enclosed in which was a 10s note.

The Mayor said that the gathering was specially honoured in the presence of Sister Goldsmith who represented the first of the Army Nursing Service to be farewelled in Feilding. All were proud of the spirit that impelled these brave women to go forth to assist the soldier in his work. He wished members of the special force well and expressed tho hope that after the successful prosecution of the war they would all return safe and sound, richer for the experience which would be of value in a more peaceful and rational world. He hoped that the wallets would b 6 a reminder of their folks and friends at home in whose thoughts and prayers they would always be. The spirit of the people of London, he said, was demonstrated in the foreword to a book catalogue he had recently received from Home which said: ‘‘Whatever Providence may have in store for us let ua make an offering of a thankful spirit for all that we have been spared of ill and all that we have won of good before we go in confidence to meet the fortunes of the days to be." With that spirit prevailing in the Army and among the civilian population, we had no cause to Tear. (Applause.) Mr. Cobbe expressed his appreciation of the work the men were doing and his confidence that those present would live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. He mentioned that the Farmers’ Union that morning wero giving consideration to the question of land settlement for tho men on their return which would play a big part in rehabilitation.

Mr. Allen explained the difficulty, owing to the uncertainty and the different times of departure, to arrange the usual times of departure, to arrange the usual R.S.A. function. However his association was glad of the opportunity to be associated in the farewell and he could assure the men present that they had the R.S.A. behind them in all respects. The fact that they were volunteers was to their Credit and in this respect they could be looked upon as tho “bar” numbers of the present war. Referring to the Home Guard, Mr. Allen expressed the opinion that the men would be encouraged in tlie knowledge that their people and their interests were not being neglected. The local R.S.A. was concerned at the response which was not the 100 per cent, hoped for. His executive had decided to get right in behind the movement by encouraging returned men and others to enrol. He concluded by wishing Sister Goldsmith and the men good luck and a safe return. Cr. McCorkindale, who wa3 given the privilege of making the presentation to Sister Goldsmith, referred to the fact that she was the first of her profession to be farewelled from Feilding in the present war. Sister Goldsmith and Corporal Sauer on behalf of the men present suitably responded. The gathering concluded with musical honours and tho singing of the National Anthem.