MERTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25865, 8 June 1945, Page 9

MERTON

Soldiers Welcomed Home.—An enjoyable evening was spent in the Merton School last Friday night, when a huge gathering of residents and li lends from the surrounding districts met to welcome home Driver Stanley White and Private C Palmer, who recently returned from service in Italy. Visiting returned servicemen present were Gunnei Fiasc! (Karitane), Corporal Might (Feilding). and A. Louie (Scaclift). Mr W- H Herd (chairman), after welcoming the guests, who are the • first Merton men to retuin from the Middle East, referred briefly to the good news received by Mi and Mi s Scott on the previous day, when advice was received that their son, Hairy, a prisoner of war since the battle of L, Alamein, had arrived safely m England. Mr and Mrs T. G. White, who now leside at Matamata, Auckland, had journeyed down to be present- at the gathering. The speakers were Mr A. Fell (chairman of the Waikouaiti patriotic zone, the Rev. Mr Henderson (Presbyterian Church), ana Mr Te Tau (R.S.A.). Mr Herd, on behalf of the residents, presented the guests with a leather suitcase, suitably inscribed, and wished them a speedy recovery to their usual health and strength. A small gift was also made to the visiting servicemen. All the guests replied, thanking the committee and also the ladies of the district for the parcels they had received while overseas. Music for the dance was supplied bv Cameron's Dance Band, witn extras bv Mrs Te Tau, Mrs Paterson, and Messrs Kent and White. Items were contributed by Mrs Adamson, Mr and Mrs F. White, Mr Henderson, and the Karitnae Party (Maori action songs), whilst - a White, Mr Henderson, and the Karitane ladies, led by Mr D. Te Tau. The accompanist was Miss M. Henderson. Supper was served by the ladies.