SOCIAL FUNCTION AT OTAUTAU

Southland Times, Issue 24593, 15 November 1941, Page 4

SOCIAL FUNCTION AT OTAUTAU

The Otautau Town Hall was well filled on the occasion of a social to Leading Aircraftman Allan Brown and a welcome home to Staff-Sergeant A. M. O'Toole and Privates R. Jones and G. Hill. The latter was unable to be present on account of illness. Mr W. J. Wesney, chairman of the patriotic committee, presided, and in welcoming those present, said that of the 80 men who had left Otautau on overseas service all had been accounted for and none so far had paid the supreme sacrifice. The guests, accompanied by Leading Aircraftman H. N. Bates, were piped on to the stage by Piper Taylor. Mr D. C. McCrostie, deputy chairman of the Town Board, and Mr W. R. Ayson, president of the R.S.A., extended a welcome to the returned men. Mr John Fisher spoke on behalf of the citizens, while Mr Allan Lindsay conveyed the best wishes of the R.S.A. to Aircraftman Brown and H. N. Bates. Mr D. C. McCrostie made a monetary presentation in both instances to the returned men and Aircraftman Brown. A gift of cigarettes was handed to Aircraftman Bates. Miss Ina Beggs, president of the local branch of the W.D.F.U. asked Aircraftman Brown to accept a small gift from the members as a token of goodwill. Songs were given by Mrs Lindsay (Isla Bank), Messrs C. C. Nicholson and H. W. Bates.