FAREWELL TO 24th REINFORCEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1917, Page 3

FAREWELL TO 24th REINFORCEMENTS.

There was a crowded attendance at the farewell to the 24th Reinforcements at the Town Hall last night-. Five of the Roes ar.d Hokitika men who left this moruiDg were preeent for the function which was carried through with great heartiness*. After opening with the National Anthem, a short motioal programme wae eubmitted, tery pleasing items bßing rendered by Mis 3 Edna Perry, Miss Hatch, Mr I? Win, and Master Nalder, The accompanists were Mrs Naider, Mieses Moore, Gieie and Daly.

The Mayor (Mr G, Perry) was the first speaker und in a short address reviewed the outlook of the war, speaking with every confidence of the ultimate ending. He spoke appreciatively of the actions of the men who were going to the front, and on behalf of the town wiebed them every success and a safe return. Hearty cheers Mere given for the departing etldiers.

Sergeant Appleton who has returned lately from the frout, wounded, received a great ovation on rising t-0 Bpeak. He gave a fins manly, direct speech, his remarks being loudly applauded, He spoke chiefly by way of advic9 to those who were going to the front. He wgs glad to eee fchsra going out to fill up the gaps in the ranks, whete they would be welcomed. They had a hard tf-ek before them, but be felt they would bo equal to it, and complete the work of those who had gone'before. He joined iu the good wishes for their safe return aud wished them all the best luck ip the campaign.

The Rev H. L. Richards made a happy speech congratulating Ssrgt Appleton on hia fine add.eas. In referring to the war he spoke of tho necessity of having force arid will power behind the nation to carry it through. He drew a parallel between the present war and that of ifce civil war in America, where the northerners who had right on their side—the emancipation of tho Blaves —had to endure defeat aftsr defeat for two yearp, yet triumphed absolutely in the end. He praised Ihe action of the men now going to the front, and extended to them every good wish for their safe return. Mr Evans (President of ibo Overseas Club) thauked the audience for their attendance and the performers for their help in pi:B*.iug a pleasant hour with the young men going to tho front. Tbe proceedings closed with tho Binging of “ Auld Lang Syne ” and the National Anthem.

Subsequently the departing man and the aoidierß on leave were entertained at supper at the Overseas Club. During the proceedings Mr W. Wilson (President of the National Reserve) presented Sergt Moore with a wristlst watch, and S.rgt Chesney with a leather pocket book. The Mayor aleo spoke, and Sergt Moore replied. Sergt Appleton gave an interesting address on the use of the gas helmet, which he fully described from the helmet at the Soldiers’ Clnb. Music followed, and songs and ohoru«es were given with great liveliness till 11 o’clock.