THE 31ST REINFORCEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1917, Page 1

THE 31ST REINFORCEMENTS.

FAREWEI.iI AT TOWN HALE. There- was again a • crowded attendance at the Town Hall last evening when the public farewell to the men of the .‘3lst■'■"Reinforcements took place. The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, the President (Mr. 13. .T. Evans) of the Overseas Club stating that before the' programme was commenced it was felt that reference should bo'made to recent happenings. MOTIONS OE SYMPATHY.

The Deputy Mayor (Mr. Coulson) then moved that! a vote of 'sympathy and. condolence, bo passed by the meeting to the Mayor (Mr. Perry) and Hie members of the family in the loss sustained, by the death of Mrs Perry. Mr Coulson paid a’ feeling'tribute to the life of Mrs. Perry,t and to the very great sympathy of the community with the family in the loss of their mother. The motion was carried in silence -the asemblage rising and standing. .Mr. Coulson' then made feeling reference to the losses sustained at the. re-

cent haftle 'of Messines, and moved that the meeting place on record its deep sympathy with the relatives ,of those who had lost their lives in the recent fighting. Mr. 17. F. do Berry seconded the motion, and in an excellent address referred to the splendid heroism of the men who had gone from Now Zealand. He paid a tribute to the many deeds of heroism of our men in the trenches, deeds that ranked with the bravest in history. He seconded the motion,, feeling proud of the splendid services of the men who had given their lives for their country.

The meeting endorsed the motion by ■ising in silence.

THE J PROGRAMME

The musical programme was then gone on with the President apologising for the absence of the orchestra who were not present as they desired to mark their sympathy with their conductor Mr. TV. E.' Perry) in his recent loss.

Solos were rendered by Misses Shand, Reynolds, Harvey, Mrs Chapman and Mr. Irwin, encores being demanded in each instance. The accompanists wore 31 isses Dalv, ISvrne. Rcvnolds'and Dav-

THE SPEECHES. • V • - The speeches were very forcible'- and hearty. Mr. Coulson was the first to address the departing men and her endorsed the remark's made at previous gatherings, expressing the good wishes of the community to flui men for a safe journey. and a 1 home coming after the great struggle, was over.

Mr. A. A'tken in a very forcible and convincing address spoke- of the grave necessity there'was to win the war,, pointing out''the horrors that had followed German occupation of tlior lands •bml the necessity/ there was to strive to* tire utmost- to help the Empire to win the war. He concluded by giving sound words of advice to the departing soldiers and wishing them God-speed. .Mr. B. Ward of Arahura, expressed Ills pleasure at being present and in the course of a feeling speech made feeling references to the great part the mothers sisters and sweethearts were taking. They were making the sacrifices and little was said about it-, Hb was glad that all were united in their desire to win the war and paid tribute-to .the gallant men going forward who carried with them his very best good wishes for

a safe return. , Mr Evans then conveyed the thanks of the Overseas Club to the performers and speakers and to-the large attendance stating the next farewell would take place four weeks later. Reference was made- to the Overseas’ Tobacco Fund, to which Westland had now contributed nearly £BOO.

Cheers for the men going, the men at lie front and the Allies, with the Nnl'onal Anthem and Auld Lang Syne- conhided a very successful gathering.

Subsequently Mho soldiers, friends and others assisting at the farewell were entertained at supper at the Overseas’ Club, a pleasant hour being spent before dispersing.