MOTUEKA RETURNED MEN WELCOMED HOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 25 January 1944, Page 2

MOTUEKA

RETURNED MEN WELCOMED HOME

SOCIAL AND DANCE The Institute Hall, Motueka, well filled when a social and dance was held to welcome home Sgt. F. Manifold, L/Cpl. A. V. Wallis and Ptes. L King, D. Boyce and R. T. Smith. Ptel. V G. Double (late member of Kiwi Concert Party), D. Larkin (Maori Battalion) and P. Unsworth (furlouga party), who were present were also included in the welcome. Music for the dancing was provided by Mr C. Berry and Sgt. ManifoU, while the duties of M.C. were carrigl out by Mr G. W. Manifold. The dancing was interspersed will vocal solos. Miss Dorothy Goodman singing “Bird Songs at Eventide” ard “A Heart That’s Free” and Mr M. G. Double contributing “Wandering tie King’s Highway” and “The Dance,” all of which were very muih enjoyed.

Councillor H. D. Bennett, afttr apologising for the absence of tie Mayor and deputy Mayor, both whom were away from the district, extended to the guests of the evening a very hearty welcome back to New Zealand. He believed some of than had wonderful stories to tell, and tvo had had great experiences during th«ir escape from the enemy in Italy.

He had found that returned men usually hated hero worship which was a fine characteristic and a fine attribute. The war just happened when they were of the right age and they considered it their duty to serve. New Zealand had put up a wonderful record—l6o,ooo were serving their country overseas or in war work in New Zealand. It could be truthfully s*id that New Zealand provided not only footballers but good fighting men. Mr Bennett, remarking on the presence of a boy from the Maori Battalion, said he was naturally very interested in the Maori Battalion as a son of his from this unit was nov, a prisoner of war. All the boys from the Dominion had done their shai'e End the country was proud of them. In time the control of New Zealard’s affairs would pass into the hands of those now serving and they had a righi to ask “What have you done to stfeguard our interests?” and, added Mr Bennett, our answer should be that we realise our responsibility and are doing our best to meet the position.” In conclusion he expressed the hope that the men invalided home would soon be restored to good health. Mr A. C. Barr, representing the Patriotic Committee and Returned Services Association, said the hand of friendship was extended to all men returning home. With regard to the R.S.A. the old members of this organisation were ready to step down as soon as the younger men were prepared to take their places. He did not doubt that men returning would meet difficulties but the R.S.A would do its best to smooth them out and help ex-servicemen to return to normal civil life

Sgt. Manifold on behalf of the guests thanked the people of Motueka for the warm welcome extended to them, and remarked that they were only sorry they could not have done more ®rlien away; however, they were glad to be back'in God’s Own Country , again. Supper arrangements for the function were undertaken by members of tlie Motueka Women’s Division METHODIST CHURCH SOCIAL FUNCTION A function was also organised by members of the Methodist Church to entertain Pte. D. L. Boyce and L/Cpl. A. V. Wallis. The Methodist hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion by Mesdames Coatsworth and Inwood with bowls of hydrangeas and gypsophilas. During the evening songs were contributed by Mesdames Pierce and J Boyce, the accompaniments being played by Miss S. Wratt. Several games were organised and proved very amusing The Rev. T. Coatsworth, on behalf of the Church extended a welcome home to the guests of honour and L/Cpl. Wallis replied to the various speakers.

. The dispensing of supper and the singing of the National Anthem concluded a very enjoyable evening.