SOCIAL EVENINGS

Western Star, 21 March 1940, Page 4

SOCIAL EVENINGS

LOCAL MEN OF 2nd ECHELON HONOURED. I A social and dance given to the local men of the 2nd Echelon was held in Fleck's Hall, His Worship the Mayor (Dr N. G. Trotter) presiding, and the hall was filled to overflowing, over 300 being present. The music for, -the dancing was supplied by Mrs L. Raymond, Misses C. Hancock and T. Pollard, and Mr A. P. O'Callaghan led community singing, the accompanist being Mr B. McLeod. Mr F. Finney (Thoriibury), Mr W. De Clifford and Mr A. P. O'Callaghan rendered solos during the evening. The Rev. J. M. Blight was accompanist. Occasion was taken to make a presentation to each of the local soldiers who were present with their near relatives on invitation from the conimitltee, the secretary, Mr F. Girvan, inviting them to the platform. The Mayor read a..telegram from Col. Hargest regretting a, prior engagement, and expi-essing a wish to meet the Riverton boys and conveying his good wishes. The Mayor said that we should keep our soldiers in remembrance. At Wellington he had visited camps where Colonel Hargest was in charge, and Major Clinton had conducted him on .an inspection, and he had received every kindness and courtesy. The camp was an eye-opener, with its general air of satisfaction and fine discipline. Ths smartness of their salutes indicated the keenness and quality of their drilling. The Y.M.C.A. was doing admirable work, and all people should aim at doing the very best for the men going to the front, whether the war was long or short, all should assist, and b° ready to help them when they come back. They were crusaders on our behalf, crusaders for justice, truth and liberty, to defend the freedom that perhaps we do not value enough. As Mayor of this town, and on its behalf he wished them every good luck and a safe return.

Dr C. H. Gordon, as chairman of the I Patriotic Committee, said that that ! night brought back memories of 25 I years ago. Then we had interviewed , Dr Trotter who should offer his services J and who should stay at-home, and it had fallen to him, and he understood the pride with which they wore their uniform and regarded the great taskahead of them. While it is not apleasure as a rule to say good-bye, yet the recent function with Col. Hargest had been an inspiration, where the returned men and veterans one after another gave some personal experience, intimately connected with their guest. It had a deep sense of integrity and thrill behind it, and paid a great tribute to the man who would lead the 2nd Echelon. The spirit of comradeship will never die out so Hong as there is a returned soldier in Ne>w Zealand or anywhere else. After the Great War New Zealand men'had returned to a country that had not kn own war on a large* scale. The Government had been faced with a great problem that was improperly understood,- nor was sufficient allowance made for men who. had undertaken great hardships and shock. When you come back, it will be a different "New Zealand; tbjere will be those who have been out before you, and they will have consideration for you all the time. The Doctor then spoke of the R.S.A. and its invaluable purposes, with its clubs and other helps. It was a- great inspiration that they were volunteering. Some of the RvS.A. men had volunteered, and those who were too old, or veterans, had offered their sons, and they would all be under Colonel Hargest. "He wanted to know that they "vrould ever be in. our thoughts for all the time they would be on active service. They would receive a great Areleome- on their return, and we would Follow the fortunes of the 2nd Echelon, thinking of their t-p- 1 - fare tinged with' anxiety. They had great pride in thoir soldier citizens and wished them bon voyage, and lumpy landing. Mr G. -Cloughley. speaking on behalf of the R.S.A. 1 , said they thought -f similar days, the farewell, the journey overseas, the joining up and the new pictures of life, new experiences. It would enthrall them to see the old scenes in Egypt, which will he all new. They would'belong to a. great brotherhood in tho world". He assured them of the enthusiasm, of the peoule L«> Jure them well. It lnmst. be early recognised that both the solclW _and iV> nation carry on a, war. It is not the soldier serving "the nation, but thnation the soldier. He wished them a jolly good time overseas jmkJ a. safe return. The Returned Soldiers will always look after their dependant? and b*ar in mind the anxiety of their safe return. Presentations were then made by th~ Mayor on_ behalf of the Committee trthe following members of the 2nd Echelon :—Lieut. A. N. Murray. Gt>>\ A Patrick, Privates E. Church, N. Haslemore, G/Horsham, D. Mathesan,

G. Moore,' W. Roberts, W. J. Shaw and If. W. Witsey. Lieut. Murray, who was received with musical honours, replied on behalf of the soldiers, though, as he said, they vvcio all well able to speak for themselves. • It, was awkward saying good-bye. so lie would say just K/lie-'rio!" They came, from iliverton, Southland; and it would always he in their thoughts. 'Over a third of the 23rd. Rifle Brigade came from Southland, and they were like a football team—hit, one and you hit the rest. Wearing the Maori badge was their passport. There wa* a wonderful spirit among them. After a route march they could still he seen with their noses in front—perhaps it was for the wet canteen, hut that was oil udmirable institution, it kept them at home instead of roaming. Burnham was a great place. Apparently the. Mayor had been gallivanting about on n Breu gun carriage for the pleasures of a sea voyage without leaving home. He than Iced them for their gifts and srood wishes. They regarded it as a I great adventure, and when they came hack they would try to do the entertaining. He concluded by again thanking them.