DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15870, 9 April 1917, Page 2

DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

VARIOUS PRESENTATIONS.

The residents of Hinds assembled in "the Hinds Hall on Friday evening to bid farewell to Gunner G. Chisnal], who was down on final leave. Tho chair was occupied by Mr J. M. Hampton, who spoke in appreciative terms of tho guest of the evening. He said that Gunner Chisnall's parents belonged to tho early settlers of Hinds, and had always been held in esteem by those who knew them. He wished him Godspeed and a safe return to New Zealand. On behalf of the residents of Hinds be presented Gunner Chisnall with a beautifully engraved medal. The recipient suitably responded. During the evening Misses McKenzio and Wi|son and Mrs Davis and others contributed items, and the ladies then provided supper. Trooper A." F. Shadbolt, of Takamatua, who is down from Trcntham on final leave, was given a send-off in tho local schoolroom last Wednesday night. There was a large attendance of residents, while a good number were present from Akaroa and the neighbouring bays. Mr P. Cunningham acted as chairman. Mr Geo. Armstrong, Mayor of Akaroa, presented 'the young soldier with a parting gift of esteem and goodwill. In doing so, Mr Armstrong enlarged upon the splendid response to the Empire's call made by the young fellows from that part of the Peninsula . Several there were who had given their lives, while others had returned, honourably discharged, bearing the wounds of battle upori them. Trooper Shadbolt leaves with the 24 th Reinforcements.

The Marshland Hall was crowded on Thursday night, when a send-off social Was tendered to Privates V. Harris and C. Campbell, and Trooper B. Ashton. During the first part of the evening musical items were contributed by Mesdames Southon, _ Brown and Jones, Misses Osborn, Wilson and Laing, and Messrs Laker. Basher, Wilson and Angus. At the conclusion of the programme the chairman, Mr W. J. Walter. on behalf of the district, wished the boys the very best of luck, and also extended similar good wishes to Privates L. Coleman, of Papanui, and H. Corbett, of Ashburton, two visiting soldiers, and to Privates C. Delamain, W. Myers and O. Aston, who were unavoidably absent.