29th REINFORCEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1917, Page 2

29th REINFORCEMENTS.

Last Night’s Farewell. The Town HAI he’d its largest audience of the series, at the farewell last evening to the 29th Reinforce-

ments. Standing room was at a premium. A capital programme was presented to a very enthusies-ic attendance who freely marked their appreciation. Messrs G. Bush and R. A. Horne, two visitors to the town kindly gave their tervices freely and hearty treble encores to their monologues were demanded and received by the delighted audience. Songs were »i*o given by Miss Reynolds and MrS'erman, whi'e he O&rcras Orchestra under the baton of Mr W P*rry supplied an enjoyable musical programme, Mr W. Farrar received ovatijus' 1 for his two vic-liu silisgiveo iu floe style. Misses Daly, Davies and Mr Horne supplied the Bocompanimm's. The speaker* for 'he evening were Messrs R. Wild, Jamtu Puk and 00l Cbaffey, officer in charge of Uanterbury Military Disirio\ The two fi'-st gamed sptakeis made tffactive ad-

dresses od the war frorp different stand points, and extended good advice and best wishes to the departi, g men, '■ . " -• 0 1 Cbaffey’ at odcb found favor with bis hearers and his reception was ao extremely warm beaited one: He had no:hiug but good words for the men of We»tlaod who had gore to the front, and in the oocr.<e of his address found time, t ) nnka very phasing references,.with a humor that canted much laughter and brought speaker and .audience in very close tooeb. Mr D.J. Evans, President of tha Overseas Club, in thinking all who had assisted at the gathering and the audience, took occasion to specially mention Mtsirs Bash mid H'ms and Col. Ohaffey. He also extended au invitation to those present to again attend the next farewell foar weeks hence. During a brief luff, while the oicbe&tra was getting ready for the last number, Col Chaffey mounted the platfcrm and inabmzy way called for cheeks for the men and for the women who weie doing snob good work. The large audieoce sprang to ita feet a-d there was a regular rtac in answer, wb'ch was foliovvid.by another found of cheering for Cjl. Chaffey, who was visibly pleased at the tribute to himself and bis uniform.

The last item by the Orchestra was then given and the audience joining in the singing of tha National Anthem, brought a very successful gathering to a close.

Subsequently the men going to. camp, together with a number of those assisting in the concert, were entertuined at snpper at the Overseas Club.