DRIVERS' UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3977, 9 July 1915, Page 6

DRIVERS ' UNION.

FAREWELL SOCIAL TO MEMBERS GOING TO THE FRONT.

AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION

Findlay’s Rooms wore crowded last night, when the Gisborne Drivers' Union gave a farewell social to two of their members, Messrs Hugh Hamilton and Joseph Bennett, who proceed to the front shortly. Fully 140 persons were present, and a very pleasant time was spent. Mr A. Hudson, president of the Union, presided, being supported on his right by Mr A. S. Richards (secretary of the Hotel Employees’ Union), Mr J. Hall (secretary of the Painters’ ( Union), Mr W. Nisbett . (secretary of' tho Bakers’ Union), Mr F. Bartram (president of the Social Democratic Party), Mr A. V. Stamp (secretary of the local branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants), and on tho left by Mr E. Marsh (secretary oT the Typographical Union), Mr Barlow (secretary of tho Tailors’ Union), Mr E. Bickford (secretary of the Freezers’ (Union), and Mr G. T. Bartlett (expresident of tho Drivers’ Union). After full justice had been done to an excellent spread provided by Mr Findlay, the President, on belialf of tho Union, extended a hearty welcome to all present. He stated that it had been the rule of the Union during the past four years to hold an annual social. This year it had been decided to alter the ordinary annual smoke-oh to a farewell evening to those of their members 'who were leaving for the front, and thereby give them some pleasant recollections of the Union. He pointed out that quite a number of members of the Gisborne Drivers' Union were already at the Dardanelles bravely fighting for the Empire, and they were all, he felt sure, very proud of them. (Applause.) Mr Hudson said be was pleased to see so many members of kindred unions present, as it was social gatherings of thi.-r nature which brought- them togetliei, and gave thorn a better understanding of each other. He stated that the proceeds of the social, after ex penses bad been met, would be handed over to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, and he hoped they would be able to pass on a tidy little sum. The following toast-list was then gone through:—“The King,” proposed by the .Chairman; "Gisborne Drivers’ Union,” proposed by Mr Nisbett, and responded to by the President; “Our Boys,” proposed by Mr G. T. Bartlett, and responded to by Air Joseph Bennett; “The Labor Party, ' proposed by Air A. S. Richards, and responded to by Air Bartram; “Kindred - Unions,’,’ proposed by Air Bickford, and responded to by Air J. 11. Hall.

During the evening a most enjoyable concert programme was intoi/sporsed between the toasts, the following contributing: Sons, Alessrs E. Sharpies, A. V. Stamp, E. Cade, Berry; duet, Alessrs Allen (flute) and Greenwood (piano), dulcimer selection, Air AfeAlurray; cornet solo. Air WStevens; recitation, Air W. Nisbett. Alessrs Sharpies and Greenwood did good work at the piano. A most successful and enjoyable evening concluded with “Auld Lang Svrie.”