FAIRLIE DANCE HELD FOR SOLDIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21822, 27 November 1940, Page 3

FAIRLIE DANCE HELD FOR SOLDIERS

Residents Honour Men On Leave Presentations Made Residents of the Fairlie district turned out in full force on Monday night to honour the soldiers of the Fourth Reinforcements who are at present on leave. The entertainment took the form of a dance, and during the evening opportunity W'as taken to make a presentation to each soldier. The soldiers were given a rousing welcome when they appeared on the stage for the official part of the programme. Mr w. Scott, chairman of the Fairlie Patriotic Committee, which organised the function, said that the whole district was proud of the soldiers they were gathered to honour that night. They were fine young men and on behalf of the people he desired to thank them for their patriotic spirit and to wish them every good wish for the future. The guest speaker for the evening was the Rev. Father O. Gallagher. He said it may appear incongruous to some that he should encourage the boys going to war and next Sunday preach the gospel of peace. Hitler had said that no one could be a German and a Christian. Hitler was ruthlessly trying to stamp out Christianity in all the countries he had invaded, said Father Gallagher, and because of this he could conscientiously encourage the soldiers that night. They were going to fight an enemy to gain the peace they all loved so well. “We in this country believe in the freedom of belief," Father Gallagher continued. “We want to preserve that freedom. Suppose Hitler were to come to this country. Suppose, further, that he came to Fairlie and attacked the little Presbyterian Church next door. lam not of the Presbyterian faith, but If Hitler came and attacked even that little Church I would be down here in no time with my pitchfork and do mv bit towards putting him on the run.” The speaker assured the soldiers that they would have a place in his prayers and he was sure the community would be with him there. When they came back, he hoped they would come back to a grateful country and that it would give them more than three cheers. In conclusion he wished them every happiness and a safe return. Mr D. Jeune, who spoke for the R.S.A. said that they were gathered to wish the men au revoir, Godspeed, success at arms, and a safe return. After 14 months of war Hitler had many more soldiers under him by his subjugation of a number of small countries, but he had not yet conquered Britain, the greatest obstacle. The Navy, Army, and Air Force were equipped as never before in history, and the country was more united than it had ever been. One thing that had assisted in this was the Home Guard, and he hoped that New Zealand would soon have a Guard strong enough to unite the country more closely. He expressed the good wishes of the R.S.A. to the soldiers and assured them that the Association would watch their Interests. Each Fairlie soldier was presented with a propelling pencil from the citizens and all the soldiers, including the visitors from other districts, were presented with cigarettes given by Mr G. Patterson, of Brinklands. The Fairlie soldiers were: Sapper P, D. Carlton, Private A. A. Baleman. Private A. Pryde, Gunner J. A. Kane, Private M. Page, and Sapper F. S. Woods. One Fairlie soldier, Private J. Riddle, was not present. Visiting soldiers on tire platform were Private F. G. Buss, Private D. F. Morrison (Albury). and Privates W. L. Tutton and G. W. Grayburn (Timaru). Private Pryde returned thanks on behalf of the soldiers.

SOLDIER BOWLER

FUNCTION FOR PRIVATE A. PRYDE Members of the Fairlie Bowling Club met on the green on Monday evening to make a presentation to Private A. Pryde of the Fourth Reinforcements, who was selector and a prominent member of the club before his enlistment. The president of the club. Mr H. Carlton, said Mr Pryde had all the qualities of a good bowler. He was a good sportsman and would do anything at all to help the club along. While they were sorry to lose him, they were nevertheless delighted to know that he had decided to give his services to his country. Mr Carlton welcomed Miss Pryde to the function and said it gave them every happiness to have a member of Mr Pryde’s family present. He trusted that she would return to her home and tell the family how highly esteemed her brother was in Fairlie, and particularly on the bowling green. In making the presentation of a wallet of notes, Mr Carlton extended best wishes to Private Pryde and expressed a hope that he would soon be back in Fairlie. Mr J. Macdonald, vice-president of the club, and Mr J. P. Cunneen, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers, also spoke.

PERSONAL

Mr and Mrs G. Lyons are to leave Fairlie shortly to take up residence in Geraldine. A farewell function is to be held in their honour in the Parish Hall on Friday night.