Notes of the Day

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 257, 30 October 1944, Page 6

Notes of the Day

Cpl. F. W. Gover, R.N.Z.A.F., was on Friday afternoon made the recipient of the Feilding Patriotic Society’s presentation by the Mayor (Mr. T. L. Seddon) supported by Mr. C. H. Tate representing the Feilding R.S.A. Army Week collections for patriotic purposes in Feilding on Friday resulted in a total sum of close upon £l2O being raised for which the women’s patriotic organisation is to be congratulated. The day was one of broken weather with occasional heavy rain but the collectors cheerfully handled their task. It was reported at a meeting of the committee of the Feilding branch of the R.S.A. last week that a sum of £66 had been collected on the recent Rose Day. The president, Mr. F. J. Allen, was nominated as the district R.S.A. repi'esentative on the Feilding Rehabilitation Committee. An Invitation from Rev. W. T. Blight in connection with the Armistice Day services was accepted. Seventeen new members were elected and another enrolled from the Taihape district. One member had transferred to Christchurch. The secretary (Mr. C. V. Jewell) reported that the membership stood at 450, made up of 303 in Feilding and 57 at Halcombe. It was resolved that the matter of securing blankets for ex-servicemen be taken up with headquarters, it being stated that the present supply was inadequate, particularly for married men or servicemen contemplating marriage. A considerable discussion took place regarding rehabilitation matters and various cases were reviewed. Messrs. B. J. Jacobs (Dominion president), Mr. C. Bell (chairman of the Dominion executive), £?. Har’ison (general secretary) and A. Mewton (president of the Palmerston Xorth branch) are to be the guests of the association on Armistice Day. Son of a pioneer settler of Feilding and with a life-long residence in Feilding, Mr. George Wilkinson, builder, who is shortly to take up his residence in Opotiki was on Thursday evening farewelled by the Municipal Band, with which he has long been asso dated. Mr. T. Collins (chairman of the commitee) presided and in the course of his tribute to Mr. Wilkinson said that both bo and Mrs. Wilkinson had been towers of strength to the band. Mr. Collins concluded by presenting a cheque with which Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson were asked to purchase a souvenir to l'emind them of their appro-, ciated services to the band. Mr. Fleetwood said he and the band generally were sorry to lose a member who was valued as a player and as one who was wise in counsel and generously willing in practical help. Replying, Mr. Wilkinson said he had been so long in the band that he could not recall when he actually joined it. He probably was the band’s messenger when lie was a boy. He i-e----called various incidents of the early days, and said that at one time the band was attached in the Manchester Rides as its official band and the players received £2 ! Os each per annum from the Defence Department as capitation. JjJn view of that fact, I think the Drill Hall really belongs to this band, seeing that it has survived and the Manchester Rifles have not.” Mr. Wilkinson thanked Messrs. Collins and Fleetwood for their good wishes. The boys’ band tinder Mr. Fleetwood rendered several selections.