WAIMATE WELCOME HOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22477, 12 January 1943, Page 4

WAIMATE WELCOME HOME

Sergeant P. K. Benson Social Evening There was a large attendance in the Maori Centennial Hall, Morven, on the occasion of a social evening to welcome Sergeant P. K. Benson on his I return home after serving for two years in the Middle East. Hakas and songs were contributed during the evening, and dancing brought the function to a close. The chairman, Mr J. Heath, spoke of the hardships of war endured by young men and women from the Dominion in order that Christianity, freedom and peace might be retained, and paid a tribute to the war service of Sergeant Benson. Mr P. Foley also spoke in similar terms. Mrs H. Tewhai made a presentation to Sergeant Benson from Lower Waihao residents, and also an envelope containing a gift from Mr and Mrs W. O’Connor. She expressed the hope that Sergeant Benson might long be spared in health to enjoy the freedom for which he had so willingly fought. The gathering stood for two minutes in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Sapper M. Crowe, news of whose death in action was received during the evening. Mr J. Heath referred to the war record of the family, stating that Michael Crowe and his brother Patrick were the first soldiers to be bidden goodbye by the Lower Waihao residents three years ago. WAIMATE RED CROSS The Waimate Red Cross sent a consignment of ditty bags to the headquarters of the American Red Cross at Auckland, and has received a letter of thanks in return. Field Director Rulinson G. Parker of the American Red Cross Section, writes: “We acknowledge with appreciation the unexpected donation of 30 filled ditty bags from your Chapter. These augmented our Christmas service to the men in the hospitals and camps, and we assure you they are greatly appreciated. Your timely co-operation has earned our sincere gratitude.” Waimate and ex-Waimate men fraternise in the soldiers’ section of the Queen Mary Hospital at Hanmer, and one of them writes a friend in Waimate thus:— “Our Christmas was made quite bright here. We all received a Red Cross bag containing several small articles, and it pleased my sense of patriotism to hear the boys remarking how the parcels from Waimate were twice as good as any others. I can tell you that the addition of a few more articles in a Christmas parcel improves the reputation of a town.” STEADY RAIN A total of 127 points of rain was registered by Mr James Allen at Waimate. up till 5 p.m. yesterday. While the rain will interfere with seasonal work, it is very welcome to fanners and townsfolk whose pastures and gardens were very dry.