Returned Soldiers Welcomed Home

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 161, 9 July 1943, Page 6

Returned Soldiers Welcomed Home

The social evening and dance promoted by the women’s section of the Feilding R.S.A. for the purpose of welcoming home returned soldiers from the present war proved an unqualified success. Held in the A.N.A. Club on Wednesday evening the gathering attracted a very large attendance as well as bringing together a number of returned men, several of whom are still receiving hospital treatment. Dancing with Mr. Bqrt Fry as M.C., interspersed with items, made for a very bright and happy evening and just before supper Mrs. W. G. Booth explained the object of the gathering and extended to the returned men a very cordial and warm welcome home. Mrs. Booth' briefly set out the objects of the women’s section of the R.S.A., stating that it had been found that there was a great deal that women could do on behalf of those re turning as well as those overseas. The gathering joined in singing “For The> Are Jolly Good Fellows,’’ followed bj generous cheering. Mr. T. Donaldson, vice-president of the R.S.A., invited Mr. W. Fitz Gerald to reply on behalf of the returned men. He expressed his thanks to the women’s section for oi’ganising the gathering and said that the men wore happy to be back and appreciated all that was being done for them (applause). A sumptuous supper was then served and the dancing resumed interspersed with some community singing.