PRESENTATION TO LIEUT. E. K. TOMLINSON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 28 November 1938, Page 8

PRESENTATION TO LIEUT. E. K. TOMLINSON

FAREWELL GATHERING Lieutenant E. K. Tomlinson, commander of No. 5 Platoon, Motueka, who has received notice of his transfer from Nelson to the Auckland branch of the Union Bank of Australia, was tendered a farewell evening by members of the Territorial force, at Motueka, on Saturday. Visiting officers and N.C.O.’s present were Major C. M. Rout, 0.C., Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment, Lieutenant E. K. Tomlinson, Lieutenant H. J. Scoltoek, Second Lieutenant E. Richards, Sergeant R. Todd and Corporal N. May. Apologies for absence were received from Captain M. E. Johnson M.C., N.Z.S.C., and Captain R. J. Eyre N.Z.S.C., who had received a call to Burnham.

S/SM. Morgan, who presided, explained that the object of the evening was to bil farewell to Lieutenant Tomlinson, who had been in charge of the Motueka Platoon. He would be a loss to the district, but would, he hoped, be a gain to some other regiment. Lieutenant Tomlinson had attained a high standard and had raised the members of the platoon to efficient soldiers. Sergeant C. Gatenby, in making a presentation of a gold eversliarp pencil, suitably cugraved, to Lieutenant Tomlinson, said the platoon had increased from a ‘‘mere handful of men to a full platoon.” It was with deep and sincere regret that the members parted with him. Lieutenant Tomlinson had done his best for the platoon and had won the respect and admiration of all. His keenness left nothing to be desired.

Musical honours were accorded Lieutenant Tomlinson on the presentation being made. Major Rout expressed regret at the impending departure of Lieutenant Tomlinson, one of the regiment's outstanding junior officers. lie was an example of keenness and thoroughness and he (the speaker) predicted that Lieutenant Tomlinson would go far if he kept up hie soldiering. In speaking to the members of the Motueka Platoon, Major Rout stressed the benefits gained by belonging to the Territorial Force. The training had already made better men of them and they had learnt the duty of loyalty. They would also be loyal to the “bigger things of life” and to the Sovereign.

Major Rout also spoke of loyalty to the Regiment. Regiments, he said, were wonderful organisations, whose histories were treasured by the men who belonged to them. The hope was expressed that the men would appreciate the good name of the N.M. and W.C. Regiment and that, at all times, wlie’i in uniform they would remember that good name. When in mufti they could also endeavour to carry out the ideals of the Regiment. Beiug a Territorial would help the men in civil life. He hoped their stay with the Regi ment would be a happy one and that they would be able to look back on that association with profit and with pride. Major Rout, continuing, said there was a wonderful spirit in the Regiment at present and it was training more men than any other regiment in New Zealand. All owed a debt of gratitude to S/S.M. Morgan, whose work was appreciated by all. Between Lieutenant Tomlinson and S/S.M. Morgan, wonderful work had been done in the Motueka area. Lieutenant H. Rowe, of Nelson, had recently been transferred to the Motueka platoon. Lieutenant Tomlinson, in returning thanks for the gift and the kindly sentiments accompanying it, said he appreciated the fact that they had assembled to say farewell to him. He had not been long with them but had enjoyed his association with the platoon. No officer could have had a more loyal platoon. The gift, lie added, would bring back happy memories of Motueka. In concluding, he again thanked the men lor the loyal cooperation lie had received.

S/S.M. Morgan, on behalf of the Motueka platoon, thanked Major Rout for his kind remarks and assured him that the members would live up to his desires. He could say that the loyalty of the men of the Motueka Platoon was equal to any i i the Regiment.

During the evening items were contributed by Private H. Dredge (vocal solos), Company Sergeant-Major McLaren (guitar selections) ; Private Minchin (actordeon solos); Sergeant Gatenby (,-ecita tiou). Private Cederman and Johnston (duet) ; Sergeant Todd and company (solos and chorus); Corporal N. May and Private Coppins. Community singing was al-

s > enjoyed, with Mr Bert Reeve at the piano. The toast of the U.S.A. was proposed ■ S/S.M. Morgan, who spoke of llw great support the local Territorials had I received from that organisation Mr.l. Goo,lyer (serrelarv, reply, e*. pressed regret at the lateness of their ar. ri\al, owing to a prior meeting and apologised ior the president and other I c members. Oil behalf of the R.S.A. Mr Goodyer said lie wished to bid farewell to l.ieu. tenant Tomlinson and wished him happi- ' ness and success in the future. The secretarial duties for the function ; * were ably handled by Corporal W. 11. i 1 Thomas. j 1