TAIHAPE NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 70, 25 March 1940, Page 2

TAIHAPE NOTES

CIVIC RECEPTION TO SECOND ECHELON j Taihape and district members of the j Second Echelon of the New Zealand ; Expeditionary Force were accorded a I civic reception'in the Town Hall, TaiI hape, on Wednesday evening, the ! function taking the form of a social ! and dance. Community singing was (indulged in under the leadership of Mr. C. A. McLaren, the chief organiser of the function, who put the large crowd in a good humour by indulging in some amusing witticisms. He led the singing in a manner that encouraged the audience to give of their best. Some of the community songs included “Alexander's Ragtime Band,” “South of the Border,” "Beer Barrel Polka,” "The Girl in the Alice i Blue Gown” and “Here We Are Again.” Miss V. Montgomery provided the music for the community singing. During the evening items were contributed by the following artists:— Kevin Siddle (piano solo), Mr. Frank McSweeney (recitation), S. Hayes (piano accordion), Mrs. A. Longley (vocal solos), Mr. H. J. Simpson (musical monologues). The Taihape Band was in attendance and rendered selections at intervals. At the conclusion of the concert programme the Mayor thanked the public for their attendance and expressed pleasure at seeing such a large and representative gathering. He went on to say that the function had been arranged with the object of saying “au revoir” to the Taihape and district members of the Second Echelon. Taihape appreciated very much the action of those boys who had offered their services in the defence of their country. The British Empire was the greatest in the world because it sowed the seeds of liberty and freedom and soldiers from New Zealand and other parts of the British Empire were going away to fight for the principles of democracy. To the boys of the Second Echelon he wished God speed and a safe return. He hoped that they would all do their best to defend the Empire and all that it stood for. Taihape was grateful to them for their devotion to duty and for their self-sacrifice. One of the “youngest” boys in the Second Echelon was Jack Missen, who had fought in the 1914-18 war and had offered his services again. (Loud applause.). Taihape was proud of Missen, to whom great credit was due, and the speaker hoped that all the boys would be back again before long. His Worship then presented each soldier with a money belt and wished him the best of luck and a safe return. After the presentation the audience sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Each member of the Second Echelon made a short speech expressing thanks for the gift. They also stood up in a body and expressed their gratitude collectively for the presentation. Mr. C. A. McLaren took the opportunity of thanking those who had contributed in any way towards the success of the evening.

Dancing commenced at 10 p.m., the music being kindly provided by the Sundowners’ Orchestra. Extras were played by Mrs. A. Longley and Miss V. Montgomery. The M.C. was Mr. McLaren, who kept things moving with a swing and contributed In more ways than one towards the success of the function. SOLDIERS’ GIFT PARCELS Gift parcels for soldiers must be handed in to the town clerk, Mr. A. M. P. Hall, as soon as possible as it is hecessary that the parcels should reach Wellington by the end of next week. Those who intend sending parcels should therefore hand them in at the town clerk’s office at their earliest convenience. Tobacco may be. included In the parcels which will go with the Second Echelon but on no account should tobacco be posted to troops overseas, as, in that case, high rates of duty will have to be paid by the recipient. MAJESTIC LOUNGE The Majestic Lounge's delicatessen is becoming popular with patrons and, the cooked meats, pickles, sandwich spread, etc., is meeting with a ready sale. All meats are freshly cooked each day and picnickers and tourists will find that the Majestic can fulfil all their requirements. The display of cooked meats at the Majestic Lounge is one of which the management is very proud. PADDY’S MARKET | The following are the results of competitions held in connection with the Paddy’s market conducted by St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 16: Bed jacket, Mrs. J. H. Whurton (Fielding); 51b box of tea, Miss Rona Addis; 11b box of chocolates, P. Thurston; dinner, T. Quirk; cake, Chas. Quirk; hamper, T. H. Harford; gent’s dressing gown, Mrs. C. Floyd. The raffles for a throw-over and a handworked cushion were won by J. Bowler and W. O’Connor respectively.