WAITOTARA NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 190, 14 August 1940, Page 2

WAITOTARA NEWS

SOLDIERS AND NURSE FAREWELLED. (Own Correspondent). Waitotara Hall, was packed on Thursday night when a public farewell was tendered to Sister Lethbridge (Wanganui Hospital), Private L. Hurley and Private Hayden, of the Third Echelon. The proceedings, which were most enthusiastic, opened with the National Anthem. Dancing, vocal, and other items followed, dance music being supplied by Powell’s Orchestra. The programme was arranged by Mr. Blackie and others of the Social Committee, and every item received loud applause. During an interval, Captain M. J. Hartwell, chairman of the local Patriotic Committee, spoke on behalf of the residents of the district to do honour to the two young men and Sister Lethbridge, who had answered, their country’s call and would soon be leaving the Dominion for parts unknown. All were proud of Sister Lethbridge, who was born in Waitotara, where she lived with her parents (Mr. and Mrs. R. Lethbridge) until she took up nursing. She has had a successful nursing career and now she was to . give her services for King and country. Len Hurley was also a Waitotara boy, and son of Mr. W. A. Hurley, who is a war veteran of the South African and the Great War. Mr. Hayden, before enlisting, had been stationmaster at Nukumaru. Mr. Hartwell said he voiced the feelings of all when he said that he hoped to see them all back again before very long. Mrs. F. Train, senr., president of the local Patriotic Committee, then presented Sister Lethbridge and Mr. Hayden with wristlet watches and Mr. Hurley with a camera, wishing them the best of health, good luck, and a safe return. Each of the recipients suitably replied. Supper supplied by the ladies was served, and dancing was kept up till a late hour, the gathering concluding with "Auld Lang Syne,” and leavetaking. PLUNKET CARD EVENING. There was a good attendance at a recent card evening held in the supper room in aid of the local Plunket Society. The winners were Messrs. Hunt and Nisbett, Mesdames W. A. Hurley and Hodgetts. FAREWELL CARD EVENING. A farewell card evening was held recently at the Nukumaru Hall. The guests of honour were Mr. and Mrs. W. Harting and family, who have lived all their lives in the district and are now going to make their home in Taranaki. Mr. Harting was presented with a cheque with best wishes from the settlers of the district.