VALI DISTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1917, Page 1

VALI DISTORY

AT HUSIPHREY’S GULLY,

At the Humphrey’s Schoolroom 01 Thursday evening a farewell social w; A tendered to Private E. Mills, who i t now on liis final leave. Despite ' the very inclement weather, a large number of people assembled to honour th > departing soldier. The young ladies 01 the district had gone to a great ueai of trouble to ensure a successful evening, and had the room beautifully decorated with lycopodium and other evergreens.

Mr Bernard Ward, who presided, said there was scarcely any occasion to introduce Private Mills, as he had spent his boyhood’s days in the district, and had also received his education in that same schoolroom. lie spoke in very eulogistic terms of Private Mills, and said one and all respected him for his sterling and manly qualities, and trusted he would return safely when the cruel war was over and all the world was at peace

again. —; Mr Harris, on behalf of the people of the district, had much pleasure in presenting the young man with a handsome wristlet watch and . Merschaiwn pipe, and said lie hoped they would remind him of the people he was leaving behind, and trusted they would all see him return safely to Westland. Private Slills thanked the people for their handsome present and also for the pleasant evening they had tendered to him, and hoped to return and spend another pleasant evening in the. same old school. Sir John Cameron paid his tribute to the departing soldier, and said lie had heard his country’s call to arms, and was going forth to fight for King and (country, and all trusted to see him return safely to his native land. During the evening several songs were given, and dancing was indulged in freely till an early hour in rue morning. Sir W Adams kindly contributed the music, whilst Mr J. Muir acted in the capacity of M.C.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a clase.

AT MANANUI

A farewell social and presentation was held in the Mananui Social Club's room on the 24tli to Messrs T. Spencer and Peter Begbie, who are leaving .on 30th inst for the Trentliam Camp. There was "a targe number of visitors from Hokitika and surrounding districts present. Mr W. McLean occupied the chair, and in presenting both men with a purse of sovereigns subscribed by tho employees of the mill, spoke in high terms of tlio esteem in which botu were held by tlieir fellow workmen. Messrs Spencer and Begbie having boon in the employ of the Westlanu Sawmilling Company for several years. Mr P. Daly (mill manager) also spoke in glowing terms of both men who have been with him so long, i»u.< said he jvas sure that when called upon at file supreme moment they would give a good account of themselves.

Messrs Bobbie and Spencer suitably replied and thanked all for their generous gifts, which would always remind them of the good old times .“with the boys.”

An excellent supper was supplied by the ladies, and songs and recitations were in full swing till the early hours of tlie morning. Mr R. Beilis, ably assisted by Mr T. Kieley officiated at ' the piano, while extras were played by.— Mr Baucke and Mr C. Fordliam.

The singing of tlie National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne brought to a ciose one pf the most- enjoyable evenings held in the Club’s rooms.

AT THE THREE MILE. The social and dance tendered to Mr. ,J. -Grey in the Three Mile Hall on Monday night proved a most successful and enjoyable one. Mr. J. Cameron made a presentation of a wristlet watch to Mr. Grey on behalf of the residents of the district. The recipient suitably responded. Songs were rendered by Messrs Wright, Duncan, G. Taiuui and Miss Murdoch, while Sir. Webley gave a pianoforte solo. Messrs T. Heenan and Mr. Jamieson had charge of the floor. Tho music being supplied bv Messi’s-Webley and Adams.