SOLDIERS ON LEAVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 292, 11 December 1941, Page 4

SOLDIERS ON LEAVE

CIVIC RECOGNITION AT INFORMAL GATHERING WANGANUI V.A.D. HONOURED. “This gathering to-day is unique in that in addition to honouring oui soldiers, we are paying tribute to nn" of our womenfolk. Miss Mary Croom who, together with three others. ha ; heen selected for service with Second N.Z.E.F. Overseas HospitM Division " said Cr. E. W. Merewetber. a member of the Wanganui City Council Committee set up to plan gatherings in honour of soldiers, at an informal afternoon tea in the Conucil Chambers yesterday afternoon More than 15 Wanganui members of the Second N.Z.E.F.. now on leave were present at the gathering. L - ntially civic in character, it was arranged in their honour. Cr. E. W. Merewether, who was deputising for the chairman of the Wanganui Citv Council Committee, presiding. Parents, wives and fiancees of thsoldiers were also present, and thopportunity was taken of entering the name of each man in a record being compiled of Wanganui soldiers sailors and airmen serving with the forces. Following the afternoon tea. each soldier received a wallet from the Citv Council

These wallets took the place of parcels presented at previous gatherings. and were embossed with the City Coat of Arms on the cover, and printed in the corner, in gold letters, the words. "Kia Ora. from Wanganui. Inside was a note wishing the recipient "Bon Voyage and Godspeed."

Emphasising that the civic gathering was very informal. Mr. E. W. Merewether welcomed the men on leave and their next-of-kin stating that in the past difficulties had been experienced in arranging suitable functions in Wanganui. It was generally accepted, however, that this type of civic recognition to the men on leave was the most suitable. The men were leaving Wanganui with the best wishes of all citizens, and mainold soldiers were envious of them. Halso extended a welcome to Miss M Croom. V.A.D. There were three or four other V.A.D.'s in the city on leave and it was unfortunate that they were unable to be present, but hwas sure that the menfolk would appreciate the work these womenfolk

were doing. "There are a lot of things I would like to say to you. but the shorter the speech-making the belter." said Mi N. R. Rain, vice-chairman of the Cit'* Patriotic Committee. "We are all • sorry you are going away hut at thsame time we envy you of your youth, physical fitness and alertness. You ar- in the creates) fight the world has ever known, hut when the conflict is over you will have an even broader outlook on world affairs." Mr. Bain congratulated the four Wanganui women V.A.D.'s on th»ir selection for service overseas with thSecond N.ZE.F. Overseas Hospital Division In extending a special farewell tn Miss Croom, he said New Zealand was proud of its womenfolk and the wonderful ioh of work they wore doing. They displayed -rent courage. Other speakers wore Mr. R. G. Talboys. president of the Wanganui RS A. Cr. G. I. Jones and Lieut. N' L. Tyler N.Z.S.C.. assistant ar-a officer at Wanganui. Replying briefly on behalf of tumen. Sergeant R. E. Ellis said he was happv to be associated with th m. They all greatly appreciated the civic gathering arranged in their honour. Miss Croom said she was pleaded tn reply on behalf of the other V.A D's and thanked all for their good wishes ■•Wo will do our best to see that our job will he well done " she said.