SERVICEMEN HONOURED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26026, 14 December 1945, Page 6

SERVICEMEN HONOURED

SOCIAL AT PORT CHALMERS There was a large gathering of Port Chalmers residents at a dance and social held last night in honour of returned servicemen of the borough. The Mayor (Mr H. S. Watson) presided, and music was provided by the Romanza Band. The following men were honoured: — A.C.2 W. A. Carrington, A.C.I T. S. Camp, Sergeant W. Davidson, Pilot Officer L. Fullerton, Pilot Officer J. Fitzgerald, Corporal W. Ives. A.C.I W. S. Harris, SubLieut. J. F. Morgan, L.A.C. J. D. Sutherland, A.C.2 W. Tunnage, Flight Sergeant H. Ives, Eng. Officer W. Hall, L.A.C. A. A. Reeves, Private A Macdonald, Gunner M. S. Socles, Sergeant Pilot D. Simpson, Private F. J. Powell, Sergeant C. R. McDonald, Private J. Munro, Coporal A. S. McDonald, A.C.I A. K. Lawson, Corporal D. V. Knox, Trooper W. M. Innes, Private W. C. Gibson Gunner H. L. Moorfoot, Private A. M. Craig, L/Bdr. J. G. Cook, Trooper J. Clark, L.A.C. J. O’Shea, > Flight. Lieut. B. G Johnston, D.F.C., Sergeant D. S. Paris and Privates D. W. Middleton, D. Miller, W. Elliott and R. W. Gibbs. The Mayor, who welcomed the guests on behalf of the people of the borough, said they appreciated what the men had done for them. He hoped that those who were unfit would soon be restored to health, and that they would all be able to take their place again in the life of the community. The Mayor also extended a welcome to Mr R. Walls, M.P. Captain W. Mounsey, who welcomed the men on behalf of the churches, said the prayers of the townspeople had always been with them. Mr Walls said he was glad to welcome the men back to the best land in the world. All were impressed by the modesty of the soldiers coming back, and he wished, on behalf of the Government, to express heartfelt thanks to the men who had helped to avert defeat. Mr W Porter, president of the local branch of the R.S.A., said his association was mainly concerned with rehabilitation, and would do everything possible to find jobs for returned men, and obtain pensions for the disabled. The speaker referred to the new clubrooms which were being established and would be of assistance to the men in settling down. It was not easy to settle down to life after war experience, he continued, but the association would welcome the men into the ranks of “ the greatest fraternity in New Zealand.” . Flight Lieutenant B. Johnston, Pilot Officer L. Fulton, and Sergeant D. S. Paris returned thanks on behalf of the men.