HOME GUARD AT FORDELL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 170, 22 July 1941, Page 3

HOME GUARD AT FORDELL

A successful social evening was held at Fordell by A Coy., 3rd. Battalion, Home Guard, which was under the command of Capt. T. C. Ruskilly. The guests of the company were the battalion commander, Major G. C. Wells, the area commander, Major R. D. Hardie, D. 5.0., and 15 officers from local and country units as well as Area Sergt.-Major E. H. Moore and 80 Home Guardsmen. The programme included several toasts and musical items, and the toastmaster was Platoon-Officer J. Marsh. Following the loyal toast, Platoon-Officer W. F. Tripe proposed the toast of “The Home Guard,” with which was associated the name of Major Hardie, the progress of the company at Fordell being briefly traced by the speaker. In ’lis reply Major Hardie gave a resume of progress in the area under his command. Other toasts were: “Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Nurses—Past and Present," Mr. Gemmell; “The Ladies.” Capt. T. C. Ruskilly, reply by Mr. E. Higgie; “The Guests,” Mr. E. Morgan, replies by Major G. C. Wells and Mr. W. Charteris; “The Artists," Mr. K. Aitken. Musical items were contributed by Corporal Rangi King! and Maori members, and Guardsmen Howie and O’Leary. Mr. J. Gerrie (Wanganui) was pianist. Community singing and some interesting stories of the “services” were greatly enjoyed. A happy evening was brought to a close with “Auld Lang Syne.”