MARTON NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 225, 22 September 1945, Page 2

MARTON NOTES

WELCOME-HOME DINNER AND DANCE AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. The welcome-home dinner to returned personnel from overseas, who have recently arrived in Rangitikei, in the Druids’ Hall on Thursday was attended by about 200 servicemen and women and their next-of-kin. A splendid repast was provided by the ladies’ committee of the Marton Patriotic Society, which was appreciated by the guests. The hall was artistically decorated with bunting, and the tables with spring flowers. The spirit of comradeship displayed by the boys and their relatives was enhanced by the cordial welcome and handshakes as old friends met again after several years of absence.

Mr. C. C. McDonald, the secretary, called the roil, and the following responded and were heartily applauded: Lnce-Corpl. H. M. Adams, Sergt. J. Aidworth, Sergt. D. R. Brenchley, Corpl. P. W. Briant Pte. I. J. Boobyer, Pte. M. Buckingham, Corpl. F. Calkin, Bdr. L. T. Coleman, W.O. A. Decke, Spr. L. H. Decke, Dvr. W. Davies, Pte. W. Emerson, Sergt. Glasgow, Sergt. H. Gordon, Pte. H. Gower, Sergt. Ireland, Pte. E. Kenzie, Pte. J. E. B Lawson, Corpl. P. Martin, Sergt. R. McDonald, Pte. K. Nielsen LanceCorpl. E. Steere, 2nd Lieut. J. Sinclair, Corpl. A. Slessor, Pte. Webster, Lieut. P. Wootton, Pte. J. Ward. Mr F. Purnell, chairman of the Marton Patriotic Society, extended a very warm welcome to all servicemen and women and trusted that they would make themselves at home. “You are at home,” he said. “We are delighted at your return, which comes after the job you went overseas to do, which has been well and truly done. You took a prominent part in all the fighting fronts, which led to the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers in Europe and in the Pacific. Now, the foremost question is what of the future and the settling down to civil life? Reconstruction and rehabilitation looms up so prominently. Fortunately, reconstruction is not paramount in this Dominion. Wo were spared the blitz that happened to the dear old Mother Country and many other parts of the British Commonwealth. Even Australia suffered material damage. We were spared the horrors of invasion and occupation by the enemy. After nearly six years of war of the worst type, the British Empire might reasonably have expected peace and plenty, and it may be that the recent announcement of the Prime Minister, Mr Attlee, came as a distinct disappointment, when he said that the British people would require to work harder than even and Jive on less it the Empire was to remain in the front rank of the nations. Returned personnel will, without doubt, perform their full share and equal what they did in the fighting on all fronts. In this matter do not be disappointed if conditions are not simple and easy and ( without effort, and be not surprised if there are some knock backs. Then you may have some consolation in recalling what happened to the great Empire war leader, Winston Churchill, who, in the hour of victory over the European Axis Powers, and in the threshold of victory over the Japanese, received one of the greatest knocks recorded in British politics. He could take it! Alter he had tendered his resignation as Prime Minister the King ottered to reward his great services with the honour of the Order of the Garter. This was refused, ana Churchill is credited with saying: “He could not accept the Garter from the King, when the King’s people had given him the boot.”

“We have a grand little country in every way suited for building up and ior rehabilitation. Servicemen with their overseas experience will help, and good results will be obtained, dur country has been worth fighting for and equally worth living for.” (Applause).

Flight-Lieut. Kimpton thanked the chairman for the splendid reception that they had received. The weather was cold but the welcome was very warm. He recalled a pledge that they used to recite every Friday morning at the Marton School:—“The Gneat War proved that thousands of our brave New Zealand soldiers gave themselves for this beautiful land so that we might live in peace and security. We are too young to do as they did, but we pledge ourselves so to' live that when the hour of trial shall come we shall not be found wanting. ’ The cail had been answered by the large number of Marton school pupils of that period. It was pleasing to be home again and renew friendships with those that could not go overseas and kept “the home fires burning.” Lieut. P. Wootton and 2nd-Lleut. Sinclair also expressed their pleasure Qt being home again and their thanks for the splendid reception that had been accorded them.

Mr. F. J. Christensen proposed the toast of “Next-of-kin,” remarking that those at home had had rather a drab time, but they had carried on the patriotic work and kept all organisations moving for comforts for those overseas. The work of the women had been really marvellous. Messrs T. Barton and J. Lawson returned thanks on behalf of the “next-of-kin.” They were pleased that the boys were back again, and they hoped that they would stay at home. Sergt. J. Aid worth stated that they were greatly indebted to the ladies' committee for the parcels and cakes that they had received overseas, which were very much appreciated, and also for the splendid reception they had received that night.

In replying. Miss Becketf said they were only too pleased to do anything at. all for the boys, and they were pleased that, they were homo again. Community singing was led by Mr. T. Barton, with Mr. G. Denbow at the piano. R.S.A. WELCOME HOME DANCE There was a record attendance at the “Welcome Home” dance to returned personnel at the Victory Hall on Thursday evening, organised by the dance committee of the Marton R.S.A. The hall was ar.isl.ically decorated and it was pleasing to see such a number of next of kin present, and everybody in a happy mood to be with their boys again. Mi G. Denbow. the R.S.A. secretary, called Ihe roll which was well responded to, after which Ihe president (Mr. G. B. Gregory) in a few wellchosen words welcomed the boys home again and expressed the hope

that he would see (hem as active membe.s ot the K.S.A. in the near I tulure. | Flight. Lieutenant H. Kimpton expressed thanks on behalf of those welcomed home. An excellent supper was dispensed by the ladies’ commit ee, who were congratulated on their fine effort. The music was supplied by Pompey Durie's Orchestra from Feilding and extras were played by Miss Voelkerling and Mr. A Low. The competition, which was decided { during the evening, was won by Mrs. I Burbery. A Monte Carlo waltz was I won by Flight Lieutenant H. Kimp- | '.on and his English bride, Mrs. Kimpton. The Lucky Gay Gordons winners were Miss P. Brown and Sergt. Ire- : land.

: Mr. A. Low made an efficient M.C. and Mr. C. Brant and Ms dance committee are to be congratulated on the I manner in which they staged such a successful dance. MARTON TABLE TENNIS CLUB The following team has been selected to play ihe Wangarj'.i branch of 2nd N.Z.E.F. AssocirZon in St. Andrews’ Hall, Marton, on Monday | next al 8 p.m.: Mrs. R. Ball, Messrs B. Crutchley, T. Dommett, D. Gilbert, C. Darcy, N. Beasley, F. Hughes. G. Hunter and J. Liddell. Any member not able to play please advise the club captain at the earliest opportunity. All players are requested to bring a plate MARTON MUNICIPAL BRASS BAND. The annual general meeting of the Marton Municipal Brass Band will be | held in the bandroom, Hair Street, on I Tuesday next when the election ot lolticers will take place and general ' business transacted. All interested are invited to attend, and it is hoped that the citizens will show their appreciation of the bandsmen’s services in the past by attending and giving the support that is necessary to maintain a band in Marton. WELCOME HOME AT CLIFF ROAD

Mr. and Mrs. Colin Whale recently entertained a number of friends at her home in Cliff Road, Mar.on, the guest of honour being Miss Whale's I liance. Corporal E. S. Eaton, R.N.Z. i liance, Corporal E. S. Eaton, R.N.Z. seas. A most enjoyable evening was (spent with cards and music and concluded with the singing of "Auid Lang . Sync.” MARTON GOLF CLUB. The following is the draw for a Stableford bogey competition to be played this afternoon, commencing at 1.15 p.m.: Torrens, Shannon, Christenson, Greig; Cochran, Siadden, Glasgow, Anderson; Bertram, Clarke, Eves, Caverhill; Fenwicke, Morrison, Allen, Rubery; Amon and Macklow. GRAND VICTORY BALL. The Victory Hall Committee is hold- | ing the first Victory ball since the conclusion of the war in the Victory Hail, Marton, on Thursday, September 27. This will be the event of the season, and the ladies’ committee is making every effort to make the supper an outstanding feature, and Marks’ orchestra will supply the music.