SOLDIERS AT HOME.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11931, 30 October 1919, Page 8

SOLDIERS AT HOME.

TO MARTON LADIES.

The returner! soldiers of Marton paid a graceful tribute to tlie ladies of Marton and district yesterday. Mindfnl of many comforts and cheering messages which had been sent them in, those drear, dread days of duck b/ard stunts, damp dug-outs—-and no dug-outs at all—-dodging whizzbangs and plum puddings, and the . non-Oom looking for a fatigue party and other little things too numerous to mention —and not mentionable—the boys conceived the nappy idea of tendering an afternoon tea. The occasion was also the wind xip of the Returned Soldiers Clubthat splendid institution which the ladies had worked so hard to equip and which it was hoped would be the happy meeting place of many diggers for a long time to come—a place where they could swop reminiscences, have recreation, rest or comfort, and reflect that while they had been doing their bit at the front the ladies at home had also done their bit in providing something good to come back to. Unfortunately the Club rooms have not been a success and it has been decided that they must go. But still the boys appreciated the fact tha: the Club rooms had been provided. Tea was dispensed at the Picadilly tea rooms. The catering was in the hands of Mrs Quittenden and Mr C. E. Gibbons, and the guests, some sixty in number, were treated to a vory dainty repast. The rooms were profusely decorated with flowers, as was also the Club billiard room. Crozior's orchtesra supplied a capital programme of music, aud Mr Aubrey Sicely sang in good style in Maori "For He's a Jolly Good bellow." Other performers had promised items, hut^ evidently got the "wind up" and 'deserted. Lieut. H. F. Arkwiight, chairman of the Returned Soldiers Club, welcomed the guests, and expressed regret that, it had been found necessary to close the Club. He paid a compliment to the Ladies Committee of whom Mrs A. R. Bryce was chairwoman for the work they had done in providing the Club. The reception that afternoon was only a small recognition by the boys of the ladies' efforts. It was impossible to enumerate all that the ladies had done for them during the war. They had worked night and day. He called for three cheers from the boys. . These were heartily given a s was also "For they are Jolly Good Fellows." Mrs B. P. Lethbridge returned thanks. She disclaimed that the ladies had done any more than their share. She wished all the boys "God speed" and assured them that the ladies would continue to take an interest in their welfare. Mrs A. H. Bill also expressed appreciation of what the boys had done and regretted the absence of Mrs A. R. Bryce. Mrs D. G. Riddiford also thanked the "boys. The orchestra played a few more selections and a good "stunt" came to an end.