DIGGERS’ FAREWELL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20995, 23 December 1939, Page 6

DIGGERS’ FAREWELL

TO FIRST ECHELON CAMBRIDGE FUNCTION (Special to Times) CAMBRIDGE, Friday A typical “diggers” farewell was tendered Cambridge district men of the first echelon in the Town Hall last night when there was a representative attendance of 140 “diggers” and citizens. The function was organised by the Cambridge Returned Soldiers’ Association, the president, Mr R. Newcombe, presiding. Associated with him were Captain R. H. Moorhouse (R.N.R.), Captain D. Dillon (18th Royal Irish) and Captain T. Wallace (Ist echelon). The president said he wished to heartily welcome the “1939 diggers.” He was pleased to see so many present. The appearance of khaki brought back many memories and the cause of them did not seem so long ago.

In replying to the welcome Captain T. Wallace said they had to thank the “real first echelon” of 191418 for the splendid function in honour of the 1939 men. They would remember the men of the Great War who slept Xday in foreign lands, and they would try to emulate the deeds and the service of the old diggers. If they could do half as well he hoped they would be accepted as “diggers” on their return. (Applause). Reciprocal cheers were then given and toast and counter-toast were drunk with musical honours.

In proposing a toast Mr D. J. Lundon said it was a unique function in the history of the Dominion for the old and the new soldiers to meet at such a gathering. The idea originated from Mr W. Webber, a member of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and 1\ vr Lundon predicted that it would be the fore-runner of many such joint functions in the time to come when the new “diggers” returned. The toast to Mr Webber was then honoured. Musical Programme An excellent musical and vocal programme was given as follows: Orchestral selections (Orphan’s Orchestra); songs, Mr W. Weatherell; recitations, Captain T. Wallace; songs, Mr G. A. James; songs, Mr G. Hoskin; songs, Mr H. Anderson; recitations, Mr A. Paton; violin solos, Mr M. Richardson; stories, Mr A. Swayne; songs, Mr C. Rus. GATHERING AT TE AROHA

A LARGE ATTENDANCE (Special to Times) TE AROHA, Friday There was a large attendance in the Parish Hall when the combined Christmas Ingleside and farewell evening to the members of the first echelon took place. The Mayor, Mr R. Coulter, in extending a farewell to the soldiers on behalf of the citizens of Te Aroha, regretted that the function had had to be so hurriedly arranged, but it was very pleasing to see such a large crowd to honour the men who had answered the call of King and country. The people with whom the men had been associated would always remember the sacrifice they were prepared to make. Mr Coulter thanked the members of the Caledonian Society for promoting the evening. Mr W. C. Kennedy, on behalf of country residents, conveyed the best wishes to the men. He said it was a sorry sight to see them leaving the district and he wished them Godspeed and a safe return. Mr N. G. McLeod, Chief of the Caledonian Society, endorsed Mr Kennedy’s remarks. He said he had an assurance from the Returned Soldires’ Association that everything possible would be done for the men when they returned from overseas. The men included in the farewell were Messrs T. C. H. Pickett, J. Bane, L. Phillips, Wheeler, M. McLeod, P. Aislabie, J. Coffey, Tremain, G. Andrews, L. P. L. Jones, Sisterson, F. Walker, Scott (Thames) and Vincent (Thames).