THIRD ECHELON MEN

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 19, 6 September 1940, Page 8

THIRD ECHELON MEN

Tawa Flat Soldiers Guests Of Residents An enjoyable social and dance foi Tawa Flat members of the third echelon -and their relatives was given re cently by residents of the district. The guests of the evening were: Lieutenant M. J. Mason, Corporal A. H. Topham, Sapper A. Hale, Gunner K. Topham. and Mr. D. Nairn, who has joined the Fleet Air Arm. Private Darling ton was not able to be present. Corporal A. H. Topham and Gunner K. Topham are father and son. There was an excellent attendance and all agreed that the gathering was a success in every way. The local members of the Returned soldiers’ Association paraded in the body of the hall and marched on to the stage, taking up positions at the back of the guests of honour. The president of the Porirua sub-branch of the R.S.A., Mr. J. Barclay, said-he had no fear as to how the men would acquit, themselves when called on. He mentioned the fatherly interest taken in those enlisting for overseas service by members of the R.S.A., and pointed out that in years to come these men would prove for themselves that the association would stand by in all matters affecting their welfare. Mr. E. Hook presented a leather pocket wallet with initials engraved to each of the soldiers, and expressed the hope from the residents that the gift would be appreciated as a memento of .the occasion. Mr. G Turkin, on behalf of the tennis club, made a presentation to three of the soldiers who were club members, and said the club, had been well represented in this and previous echelons Mrs. Dwyer, president of the Women’s institute, presented each with a small gift and extended to them the best wishes of members of the institute. Floral bouquets were presented to Mesdames Nairn, Topham and Mason. Lieutenant Mason thanked the residents for their fine spirit,.and assured them they would always remember with pride and appreciation the kindness shown to them and the expressions of goodwill. During the evening members of the women’s institute staged a tableau in national costumes depicting Britain, her .overseas ~ Dominions, her allies Norway and Poland, the Army, Navy Air Force and Nursing Corps. Appropriate national songs were sung. Items were given by Mr. Hooker and his school harmonica band. Music for dancing was played ,by Miss. Long, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Leadley.