PLEASANT POINT TRIBUTE TO THE FORCES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23282, 18 August 1945, Page 7

PLEASANT POINT TRIBUTE TO THE FORCES

Victory Thanksgiving Service School Celebration Tire Pleasant Point Town Hall was filled to capacity when a victory thanksgiving service was held. Mr F. Friel presided. The service was conducted by the Rev. G. Schurr and the Rev. N. E. Oakley, both of whom gave appropriate addresses.

Mr Schurr referred to the great debt of gratitude owed to those who had made victory possible and the feeling of thankfulness to God Who was ever on the side of a just cause. Mr Oakley made a plea that those who were left must be worthy of the great sacrifices that had been made for a righteous cause. A new spirit must become evident in our own lives if the new order were to become a living reality. Miss A. Roberts acted as accompanist for the service. Following this ceremony, tributes were paid to the services by local returned servicemen. Mr Friel said the Army had played a vital part in the final defeat of the oppressors in spite of the development of modern methods of air warfare.

Mr H. D. Roberts paid a tribute to the Navy. Speaking from personal experience he related incidents in which he had seen the Navy at work. Many New Zealanders owed their lives to the efficiency of the Navy, which had done splendid work in evacuating troops from Greece and Crete. Mi- A. Shaw spoke for the Air Force. He recalled the importance of the Battle of Britain when the Air Force had virtually saved the world from slavery and later had paved the way for victory.

Mr Oakley paid a tribute to the chaplains, nurses and medical services, all of whom had given splendid service under difficult conditions.

Community singing was led by Mr Schurr. Mrs M. Kirkland was the accompanist. After the community service, the bonfire, prepared by Mr L. Craythorne, was lit. A dance, for which music was supplied by local players, was then held. Mr P. White was M.C.

Children Entertained

When word of Japan’s capitulation was received an appropriate function was held at the Pleasant Point District High School. Addresses were given by the Revs. G. Schurr and N. E. Oakley. Apples and cakes were then distributed by the school committee and local peace committee.

Drama Group

At Mr G. Worthington’s last visit, four plays were selected, and the players cast for rehearsal. It is hoped to have the present plays late in September.

Football

In reply to a request Irom the South Canterbury Rugby Union, the following players have been nominated for junior South Canterbury teams:— Juniors.—W. Little, I. Paterson. P. Scanriell, M. Leonard, O. Howey, V. Casey and J. Syglko. Under 18: G. Grant, M. Teahen, A. Pierce, D. Campbell, J. Keane and E. Smith.