Servicemen Welcomed

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 31 October 1945, Page 4

Servicemen Welcomed

TOWN HALL FUNCTION

There was a large and representative gathering of residents of Warkworth and the surrounding districts at the Town Hull last Thursday evening, to pay homage to a number of servicemen, who have recently returned from overseas. The function was arranged by the Warkworth Town Board in co-operation with the Patriotic Entertainment Committee, aud was similar in form to previous civic welcomes. There were 14 soldier guests-of-honour present. Before the supper adjournment, Mr J. P. Smytheman, chairman of the Town Board, extended a welcome to the guests and on behalf of the community expressed the delight which was felt at their home coming. He said that some were showing the scars of battle, but in spite of this, they looked happy. Mr Smytheman stated "we owe the hoys a debt of gratitude," and expressed the hone that all would soon he restored to full health to enable them to resume their part in the industrial and social life of the community. Acknowledgments of the warm welcome extended were made by Sgt. L. A. Carroll and Pte. E. Taylor. . The hall and stage were again effectively arranged for the occasion with native greenery, tinted lilies, flags and coloured lights. Dancing was the main pastime of the evening—a fine programme of dance music being provided by the "Merrymakers."