FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1940, Page 7

FEATHERSTON

DISTRICT TRIBUTE SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED. (“Tinics-Agc” Special.) The residents of the district entertained in the Anzac Hall the Featherston district soldiers of the Second Echelon. Mr J. W. Card, Mayor, and chairman of the Patriotic Committee, occupied the chair. The soldiers were W. Charles. R. Cherry, f. Cherry, D. Benton, R. Drew,' P. Graham. H. True. R. Blain, and J. Unvericht. and were called up on the stage and introduced by Mr Card, and were received with rousing cheers. Clarence Ashworth, ol H.M.S. Achilles, was also a guest ol the evening. Apologies for absence were received from Mr A. B. Martin, chairman oi the Featherston County Council, who sent his best wishes and those of the County Council; Mr and Mrs A. C. Pearce. Mr and Mrs D. C. Collins, Mi and Mrs Ritchie. Mrs King, Mrs Raper. Messrs N. C. C. Shepherd and K. Allen. Mr Card also read the following message from Mr and Mrs A. C. Hohns former residents of Featherston:—"Mi and Mrs A. C. Holms, of Waipukurau, and two of their sons, lan and Bob. who are leaving with the Second Echelon, send greetings to all their fellow Featherstonians, and would have very much liked to be present at the function tonight." In asking each of the boys to accept a gift which would permit, of theii getting something which they liked. Mr Card said that they were treating them all alike. The gift was an expression of the kindly thoughts oi their many friends —the people of Featherston and the district, who were honoured by their presence to the call. Clarence Ashworth, of the Achilles, was present more to receive a welcome home.

The presentation of the gifts was followed by musical honours. Mr Card introduced Mr D. H. S. Riddiford. who represented the County Council and other bodies whose representatives were unable to be present. Mr Riddiford’s three sons had enlisted, and also his son-in-law. Mr Riddiford also served in the last war. Mr Riddiford said the same interests were al stake as in the last war —the test was man power. One part of his experience 25 years ago was the enjoyment of the great comradeship brought about, bj all having to share alike on active service. "You got to know a man better in a fortnight than you would in many years of civil life.” Mr Riddiford referred to the great traditions which were so highly prized by famous British regiments—similar traditions to which New Zealanders were now building up. Community singing was led by Mr Harry Graham. Mr Joe Buck officiating at the piano. Items were given as fol-, low: Joan McKenzie, Mrs R. Skipage,| Mis Clark. Mrs Huston. Mr' Gordon. The accompan'istes were Mrs Arch Clark and Miss Ngaire Tocker. Prior to supper being handed round all joined in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Personal Items. Miss Foss, who spent the Easter vacation at Levin, returned home last night. Miss Ngaire Johns left yesterday for New Plymouth where she will join the staff of the New Plymouth Hospital.