BLUFF NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 24081, 21 March 1940, Page 11

BLUFF NEWS

TRIBUTE TO COLONEL HARGEST PRESENTATION MADE AT PORT Although hurriedly arranged because of Colonel J. Hargest’s many prior engagements, the response of the citizens of Bluff to the invitation of the Bluff Returned Soldiers’ Association to a function in his honour yesterday afternoon was ample proof of the admiration in which the officer commanding the sth Infantry Brigade is held at the port. The lounge of the Returned Soldiers’ Association’s rooms was filled to overflowing and an atmosphere of sincere enthusiasm pervaded the gathering. The president of the Bluff Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr N. W. McGorlick) welcomed their guest, and stated that although they realized Colonel Hargest was a busy man, the soldiers at Bluff could not allow him to leave without meeting him to say farewell and expressing their esteem in some tangible form. All returned men appreciated Colonel Hargest’s work in the last war and his efforts on their behalf since, and fee asked him to accept a leather toilet set. Mr W. B. Dixon stated that everyone was proud that Colonel Hargest had offered his services and it was the earnest wish of everyone that he and all the other soldiers would soon return. On behalf of the citizens of Bluff, Mr E. A. Nichol welcomed their guest to the most southerly town in his electorate. He congratulated him on the high position he had been given and was sure that he and the men who served under him would cover themselves with glory. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr A. E. Budd) apologized for the absence of the | Mayor and on behalf of the ratepayers of Bluff, stated he was glad Colonel Hargest had taken the step he had but he was sorry that such a step was necessary. Everyone in Bluff was sure that his career as a soldier in this war would be a credit to the province and to the Dominion. GRATEFUL FOR WELCOME Colonel Hargest was accorded an ovation on rising to reply. He stated he felt deeply moved and was gratified for the welcome he had received. There was no place he would rather come to than Bluff, Colonel Hargest said. It was at Bluff that he had first seen the sea when as a small boy of three his mother had brought him there on holidays. He did not wish to dwell on the war or even to mention it, but he thought all should realize the alternative to not winning the struggle. The authentic records of the treatment meted out to the weaker nations already subdued made it unthinkable to even imagine that such could happen here. On our success depended the happiness oi everyone in the Dominion. Speaking of the troops he would say that they were a wonderful body of men. Through the courtesy of the Hon. P. Fraser and the Hon. F. Jones he had been privileged to see all the units of the Ist Echelon. Of the 2nd Echelon he could say that he had seen and spoken to every man, and could sincerely state that he had never seen a better lot of men assembled. Referring to his own job, Colonel Hargest admitted it was onerous, but he was proud that his offer to serve had been accepted and the honour done him was truly appreciated. He had unbounded confidence in the future, said Colonel Hargest. It was amazing to note the wonderful spirit of comradeship existing in all ranks. When they arrived over there he would liktto meet anyone from Bluff if only for a handshake; if any relation felt any anxiety about any of their soldiers, if they dropped him a line he would make immediate inquiries. CIVIC FAREWELL TO SOLDIERS There was only a fair attendance of the public at the civic farewell to the soldiers of the 2nd Echelon on leave held in the Town Flail. The DeputyMayor (Mr A. E. Budd) presided. Associated with him were Mr N. W. McGorlick (president of the Bluff Returned Soldiers’ Association) and Mr T. Spencer (representing the Maori Association). A telegram was read from Colonel J. Hargest expressing his regret that a prior engagement prevented his being present and extending his best wishes to everyone, with the earnest hope that the boys would soon return. The chairman, in making a presentation to each of the soldiers, expressed regret at the necessity for holding such a function and congratulated them on the very fine spirit shown in offering their services in defence of democracy. Messrs McGorlick and Spencer added the congratulations of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and Maori Association respectively. Private A. Russell returned thanks on behalf of the soldiers. The soldiers in whose honour the function was held were: Privates S. Robertson, C. Tonkinson, J. Cunningham, J. Fisken, E. J. Calder, H. Phillips, A. Russell, P. Can trick, J. Cantrick. D. Wixon and A. Wallace.

I MAORI FAREWELL “I will be here on the seashore looking into the sea tracing your passage across the waters to do battle for all that you hold sacred.” With these words spoken in Maori, Chief Topi Patuki bade farewell to the Bluff Maori soldiers of the 2nd echelon at a function held in their honour at Bluff. The ceremony was a solemn and colourful one, the speakers expressing themselves in the Maori language, which was translated by the chairman, Rangitira T. Spencer, who in making a presentation to each of the soldiers, told them he was proud of the men of the Maori race who had offered their services. He knew they would uphold the noble traditions of their ancestors and the fine record of the Maori Battalion in the last war. Rangitira R. Whaitiri also spoke. The Maori soldiers honoured were: Lieutenant Gilroy, Sergeant R. Whaitiri, Privates A. Russell, W. McQuarrie, D. Wixon, W. West and S. Robertson. During the evening items were contributed by Mr Mark West (songs), the Haere Tonu Party, Mrs Bragg (leader), Mrs Hart, Messrs Bragg, Hart and Apglem (action songs and poi dances), Misses Spencer and Whaitiri (dances). Mr R. Arnott was master of ceremonies for the dance. MR N. BRADSHAW HONOURED In honour of his approaching marriage, Mr Norman Bradshaw was met by the members of the permanent staff of the Ocean Beach Freezing Works and presented with a dinner set. The presentation was made by Mr N. W. McGorlick who wished the guest continued success and happiness. Mr Bradshaw replied. Mr Bradshaw was also the recipient of a silver tea service from the members of the Haere Tonu Party at Bluff. Mi- T. Spencer, who presided, stated that Mr Bradshaw had at all times unselfishly used his musical gifts in training the Maori children in the arts and

crafts of their race. He was an au ” thority on Maori music and had been a tower of strength to their party. In reply Mr Bradshaw said it had been a source of great pleasure to him to work with the children. She sincerely thanked the party for its splendid present.