FAIRLIE RETURNED MEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22063, 9 September 1941, Page 3

FAIRLIE RETURNED MEN

Local Reunion

Value Of Home Guard

There was an attendance of 30 at a reunion of Fairlie returned men held in the Aorangi Hall on Saturday. Mr D. Jeune presided. The Loyal Toast was followed by "Absent Comrades.” Other toasts honoured were "The Association.” proposed by Mr J. A. Fraser and replied to by Mr J. J. Sullivan. Mr Sullivan said he was pleased to see present two returned men from the present war. He urged all returned men to stick to the Association, as much work would be required to help the men returning from overseas.

“Other Services," with special mention of the nurses and all other women's war organisations was proposed by Mr Jeune and replied to oy Mr McKeague. In proposing the toast of the Tekapo sub-branch, Mr J. Cunneen said he wished to extend n welcome to the men from Tekapo wno were present. Mr McKeague, who replied, expressed a hope that Tekapo would later have the pleasure of entertaining the Fairlie members. “T .e Heme Guard” was proposed by Mr D. C. Kidd, M.P., who urged all to get behind the Home Guard movemenu We did not know what was ahead, or how soon our services would be required. In referring to the Mackenzie Battalion, Mr Kidd said great credit was due to those who organised the district. Out of a total of 1000 eligible men 800 had joined up. Two men from Mackenzie. Messrs S. Hatton andG. B. Baker, had been selected to go into the training camp for appointment to the permanent staff. The speaker said the Government was doing all passible to have the Home Guard equipped. About 50 per cent of the Guard, in the event of an emergency, would be required i,o go to the coastal areas or where they may be required. The other 50 per cent would be required to look after vital points in their own district In reply Mr G. A. Patton, said tie thought it was the duty of every jturned soldier to become a member of the Home Guard. In his district of Allandale every family had a representative in the Guard.

During the evening a number of vocal items were enjoyed, and the singing of choruses of the days of 25 years ago kept the gathering in chee-.-f :1 mood. Music was supplied by Messrs J. Irving, F. Miles and S. Guard.

snow Reports reveal that Tekapo had a further three inches, Burke’s Pass seven inches, Clayton five inches, and the Hermtage four inches. No snow is lying in the Pukaki District. The Council’s snow clearing plant was at work early on Sunday morning, and all main roads were soon cleared. This fall of snow on top of that already on the ground will have serious ct.isequences for sheep farmers in the high country. Sheep already weakened, ;t is feared will succumb in large numbers. Lambing has been in progress on some farms in the Feirlie District, and the wintry conditions will take a toll. YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB The fortnightly meeting of the Young Farmers’ Club was held it Allanda, Mr D. Lundie presided over a good attendance. An address was given by Mr R. Durant on pasture establishment, who was accorded t vote of thanks. HOME GUARD Owing to the inclement weather the parade of the Home Guard which was to have been held on Sunday morning was cancelled by the Battalion C'mmander, Mr D. Jeune. A good many Guardsmen who had not been notified turned out. These men went to their respective churches where services appropriate to the occasion were held.