COLAC BAY NOTES

Western Star, 29 August 1941, Page 3

COLAC BAY NOTES

Private D. N. Neilson, of Round Hill, who was invalided koine altar the Croak campaign, was tendered a welcome homo by the residents of the district last week. Thu function, which took the form of a social and dance, was held in the Drill Hall at Odnc Bay, and this large building proved too small for the number of relatives and friends who assembled to do honour to the guest of the evening.

Proceedings opened with the National Anthem, after which dancing com mencod and went on with a good swing throughout the evening under the capable leadership of the M.C., Mr W. Fisher, who saw to it that anyone with two legs took part in the dancing. The musicians also, Messrs J. Wixon piano, A. McKay violip, ahd M. Belsham clarionet, did their shar* by supplying music that almost compelled onto dance, the result being that the function was voted one of the most successful held here for many years. The large number present spoke volumes for the popularity of the soldier. Prior to supper Private Neilson, accompanied by Sapper Ilibbs, of Riverton, who was on leave, was piped on to the stage by Mr Du a can Alexander, of Riverton, as three hearty cheers almost drowned the music of the pipes. On behalf 'of the residents of the district the chairman, Mr H. Spear, received the soldiers as they arrived on the stage amidst a further chorus of cheering. He extended a hearty welcome home to Private Neilson a,nd trusted that lie would soon recover from his wounds and Rs able to take his place again in civilian 1 life in the near future. He said that Pte. Neilson came from a fighting stock, having bad seven uncles —5 of his father's brothers and 2 of his mother’s^ —in the last war. Pte. Neilson had worthily upheld the family tradition in this eon-' diet. Mr Spear said that a, little over 18 month* ago h© had fare welled Pte. Neilsen along with Sergfc. J. Hinton, and Pt.es. W. Whittle and C. Lap-ham Much had happened since then and all the.s;e men had been in action and now weio scattered in different parts of the world. Sergt. Hinton is now a prisoner of war in hospital in Athens, Pte. Whittle a prisoner of war in Germany, and Pte. Lapham, on deck in Egypt, and he trusted it would not be long before’ we were privileged to welcome these boys back to their homes. On behalf of the residents of the district he presented Pte. Neilson with an inscribed wallet as a mark of appreciation for services rendered and wished him good fortune in the future. ■

The chairman also extended a hearty welcome to Sapper N. Hibbs and wished him tlie best of luck and a safe and early return from the war. H e also made a small presentation to him. In replying Pte. Neilson mentioned that those boys who left here with him all did their jobs over there as a soldier should. He expressed surprise at sieeing so many in the hall to welcome him home and thanked them for the honour and also #ie present, both of which he greatly appreciated. Sapper Hibbs expressed his jtlianks for being ■ asked on to the stage. and appreciated the invitation and thanked tlie people for the recognition and present. Several items were rendered during the evening, comprising an action song by Maori ladies led by Mrs McKay, and songs by Miss J. Hodges, Mr A. Driver and Master C. Fisher. Extras were played by Mrs Shepherd.

Word has been received by Mrs A; E. Kelland that her *Oll Robert, who has been missing since the fighting in Crete, is still on the island and well. This is good news, a,s nothing has been heard of liinx since the campaign there.

Mr H. McFarlane, unit commander of the Co lac Bay Home Guard, is piocecding to camp next week to take a course of instruction. During his absence Mr R. Buckingham will be in charge.