SOLDIERS’ SOCIALS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4561, 17 April 1942, Page 4

SOLDIERS’ SOCIALS

FUNCTION AT KAIPAKI PRIVATE ERIC FARRELL There was an exceptionally large attendance in the public hall at Kaipaki on Tuesday evening, when a social was tendered Private Eric Farrell, of the overseas section of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Dancing was thoroughly enjoyed to the lilting strains of popular tunes played by Mrs A. L. Flyger, while card playing was indulged in by the older folk, the prizes being won by Mrs J. Watts and Mr G. Silvester. In a Monte Carlo competition, Miss Ruth Harvey and Mr James Cowie were the winners.

During an appropriate interval, Mr R. Boyd addressed the large crowd present. He stated that the soldier they had assembled that evening to honour had been born and brought up in Kaipaki, being the only son of Mr and Mrs George Farrell, now of Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu, but for years farming in the locality. “Eric,” as he was famililarly known by a host of friends, had exhibited the possession of many admirable qualities, both in his private life and on the field of sport with which he had been, enthusiastically associated. As an overseas soldier, they wished him every good luck and a safe return to his native land.

Mr Boyd then presented Private Farrell, on behalf of the residents of the district and the local R.S.A., with an engraved fountain pen, it being mentioned that every householder in the district had joined in the presentation.

After Private Farrell and his wife (nee Joan Silvester, of Paterangi) had been accorded musical honours, the recipient suitably replied.

It was remarked that “Eric” was a true “chip of the old block,” his father, Mr George Farrell, having been farewelled in the same hall on the occasion of his departure for the Great War twenty-five years ago. The Ladies’ Patriotic Committee provided a delicious supper. Dancing was continued with a vim till a late hour, when the enjoyable proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

On Wednesday afternoon, Private Farrell was made the recipient of a shaving outfit by the Te Awamutu Patriotic Committee, good wishds being extended to him for every success in his military career. Private Farrell left on return to camp on Wednesday evening, being accompanied as far as Wellington by his wife. OTEWA AND TAHAIA SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED A large number of residents of the Otewa and Tahaia districts met in the Otewa Hall to bid farewell to a number of men who are leaving the district to enter the Armed Forces. Those honoured were Messrs Lionel Hewer, Rex Hall, Fred Thomas, Ronal Chilcott and Cecil L. Browne. Mr V. W. Simms (chairman of the Otorohanga County Council) in the course of a few well-chosen words, presented each of the guests with a money belt and a monetary gift. A delicious supper, provided by the ladies of the district, was served. Dancing was enjoyed during the evening, Mr C. Irvine acting as M.C. GATHERING AT PIRONGIA PRIVATE PETER BELL A surprise party was held at the residence of Mrs W. H. Bell, Pirongia, last Monday evening to entertain their son Peter, who is now in a military camp. A large number attended and a happy time was spent, and many items were enjoyed as follows:—Solos and duets by Mesdames E. Moeller, J. R. McGruther, Ed. Beet, V. Rastrick, M. McClennan, R. Kerr, P. Bell, Misses G. Bell, S. Bell, and a duet by Messrs H. Thomas and F. Beet.

During the evening Mr Thomas Bardsley wished Peter the best of luck. Mr P. Bell suitably replied. At the early hours of the morning the function was brought to a close with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”