SOCIAL EVENING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4562, 20 April 1942, Page 4

SOCIAL EVENING

HOME GUARD SMOKO POKURU TRAINING CENTRE A good attendance of members and guests took part in the first annual smoko of the Pokuru Home Guard Training Centre held in the Pokuru Hall last Saturday evening, and presided over by Mr C. S. Alexander. Among the visitors were Lieutenant Howcroft (Te Kawa), Lieutenant J. Pattison (Kihikihi), Lieutenant White (Te Mawhai), Lieutenant B. Hey (Mangapiko), and Lieutenant W. J. Tucker (Te Awamutu). Apologies for absence were received from Major Howcroft and Adjutant H. Weightman.

Proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem and the toast of “ The King.” Then followed the toast “ Fellow Guardsmen,” proposed by Lieutenant Pattison, and Mr AHollinshead responded. In proposing the toast of “ The Armed Forces ” Lieutenant Tucketpaid tribute to the excellent work of the British Navy. While the Navy—the Senior Force—was active Britain would not be conquered. The Air Force, although lacking in numbers, gained mastery of the air in the Battle for Britain, and now, with increasing numbers, was making its presence felt in raids over enemy territory. The Army was ready to give a good account of itself, and in the final struggle the combined forces would not be found wanting.

Lieutenant Hey suitably replied, and presented a story concerning each of the Forces.

Mr Alexander, in proposing a toast to the visitors, hoped that the function would become an annual one and that the visitors would be spared to attend many more of them. Lieutenant Howcroft replied, thanking the Pokuru Unit for the invitation to be present and for the excellent fare provided. Mr A. Hollinshead was in good voice with an old favourite, “ The Veteran’s Song.” Mr B. Hey presented a number of topical stories, and the one of a “Lancashire Lad and his Lass ” especially caused much amusement.

Mr Ken Lewis was heartily applauded for his tenor solos, “ Pilot of All ” and “ The Empire is Marching,” and for sfti encore sang “ 0 Promise Me.” After a delightful supper had been served proceedings continued with a number of excellent conjuring tricks presented by Mr L. W. Spence. A member of the audience ably assisted Mr Spence to demonstrate “ King Tut’s germination theory,” to the deafening applause of the assembly. Mr Wynn Corboy followed with the popular vocal numbers “ Good-bye ” and “ Little Drummer Boy,” which were warmly applauded. The accompaniments were played by Mr L. W. Spence. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” brought a happy evening to a close shortly before midnight.