TROOPS ON LEAVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24372, 9 August 1940, Page 7

TROOPS ON LEAVE

MEN OF THIRD ECHELON ENJOYABLE SOCIAL FUNCTIONS If fine physique, fitness, keen training and high spirits count as much in the making of a good soldier as they used to, there is no shadow of doubt of the quality of the men who have left and are preparing to leave as trtey are wanted to meet the challenge f Hitlerism. The Dunedin public has had opportunities of seeing these men on parade, and officers and men of the third echelon, at present enjoying leave, have been strengthening the admiration won by the magnificent bearing of their predecessors. They are i fine, fit bodv of men.

Equally fine are their spirits, 0.1 which there were further illustrations in two pleasant social events yesterday. In the afternoon the troops were the guests of the Returned Soldiers' Association at afternoon tea in the R.S.A. Hall. It was an invitation accepted by enough soldiers to fill the hall to overflowing, and they made it a happy occasion by their lusty singing and holiday gaiety. Items were much appreciated, and the enthusiasm of the community singing indicated that there have been plenty of singsongs in camp.

The president of the Returned Soldiers' Association (Mr W. K. Cameron) spoke briefly to the men. He told them that the invitation to afternoon tea was a " gesture from the old hands to the new and an expression of that feeling of brotherhood and pride which we know you will take away with you." These soldiers of 19 4 0 were going away on a grpat mission, he said, and they would find in it a sense rt comradeship than which there was nothing finer in life. " I have never seen a fitter lot of men than you are," he added, "and I know you will keep your fitness right through the piece." After touching upon the work and purpose of the Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr Cameron wished the men the best of luck. "We wish you well." he said. "Good hunting, love your country, honour your King—and get your man!" The same joyous spirit was in evidence in the evening, when the men were the guests of the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council at a dance in the Town Hall. The Mayor (Mr A, H. Allen), who is chairman of the council, and Mrs Allen were host and hostess, and the soldiers, along with a sprinkling of representatives of the other services, soon made themselves at home and made the proceedings "go with a swing." Music was provided by the band of the Otago Regiment and a dance band, and a light supper was served. The public gallery was well filled, and, as on parade and in the street, the excellent bearing of the troops on leave v created the best of impressions.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' OLD BOYS

A very happy social hour was spent when over 20 old boys of the Christian Brothers' High School, who are home on leave from camp, met the executive of the Old Boys' Association last evening. During the course of an informal chat amongst themselves and members of the executive, Mr F. Hall, president of the association, welcomed the men on leave to the ing, which, he stated, had been prompted by the realisation that in the busy period of military training very few opportunities were given them of meeting together, and, on behalf of the association, he wished them every success and a safe return home.

Apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Bro. Cervetto. principal of the Christian Brothers' High School, Mr Hall said that Bro. Cervetto had asked that the best wishes of the brothers and himself should be joined with those of the association. Finally, he asked that their soldier guests convey to the old boys already overseas fraternal greetings from members of the association The Rev. Father F. Columb briefly addressed the gathering, and; in stressing the nature of their new calling, stated that the old boys who had taken up arms had an obligation to show an example to their fellow-soldifrs in what could no\v rightly be termed a crusade for Christianity. Asking th» members of the -executive present to drink the toast of their guests. Father Columb said that he had every' confidence that the- old boys of the school would acquit themselves well in any task to which they were assigned, and he offered them every blessing and good wish. Sergeant-major J. R. Kennedy thanked Father Columb and the members of the association for their good wishes and for arranging the gathering, which, he said, had been fully appreciated by every one present

FUNCTION AT GREEN ISLAND As a result of the support given by the ,public of Green Island to the local Soldiers' Farewell Committee, a social and dance was held in the Town Hall Green Island, last night. There was a large attendance, and the Mayor and members of the Borough Council were also present. Men from the district who are at present on leave from military camps were each the recipient of a small present and a cheque, and parents and next-of-kin of men already on active service overseas, who were present, were also presented with similar gifts. The committee wishes it to be known that any men on leave or relatives of men overseas who were unable to be present last night, will also receive a gift at a time suitable to them if they will communicate with Mr W. A. Miller. ST. LEONARDS FUND In support of the presentation and gifts to soldiers' fund, a ladies' social afternoon was held in the St. Leonards Sunday School Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs Hugh Speight had some very interesting things to tell about her trip to America, and she charmed her listeners with her attractive style of relating her various experiences. Miss Ramsay rendered two solos, and Mrs T. Smith acted as acompanist. Mrs Middleton was chairwoman, and Mrs Hill Scully proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker for her interesting talk. A farewell social and dance to soldiers home on leave will be held in King George Hall, St. Leonards, tonight at 8 o'clock.