ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1917, Page 3

ROSS NEWS.

(Our Own Correspondent.) farewellTsocial. TO PRIVATE STANLEY ALLEN. A very hearty social was tendered to 5 tho above gallant soldier, the occasion being his second voluntary enlistment to fight tho “hated Hun.” The management of the highly successful function was in th© capable hands of the lady members of the Patriotic Committee, viz., Mosdames Rocn©, Muir, McKay and Misses Smith and Folleti, and full well they discharged their onerous responsibilities, and deserve more than special mention, as practically alone they did it. Private Stan. Allen on ascending the stage, accompanied by the Vice-Presi-dent and secretary of the Patriotic Committee, was heartily cheered, tne assemblage spontaneously rising and singing lustily “For He’s a Jolly Gooa Fellow,” and they meant it ns well sang it. j Mr G. T. Adamson, Vice-President, J in a few well-ohosan and pointed remarks, which wer© heartily applauded, presented the worthy soldier with a portrait of the King and a safety razor. Mr Winchester, the hon.sec-., read with clearness and emphasis the av companying address given to all departing volunteers, specially mentioning tho praiseworthy action of , our native born Anzac, of whom we ar© all justly proud. Another item, not on the programme, was tho presenting of the departing guest with a sum of money collected by Donnelly’s Creek farmers by Messrs Detlaff and Thomson, for the purpose of obtaining that most necessary adjunct of a good fighting “Tommy,” the cigarette. Their voluntary action won highly appreciated, both by the soldier and the people. Private Allen briefly replied, sincerely thanking one and all for turn hearty good will and appreciationThe finest thing said or done in the' presentation was the paternal action of our venerable secretary. Putting his hand on “Stan’s.” shoulder, fie remarked: Stanley believes in deeds, not words.”

Mr William Winchester spoke very feelingly—he has three worthy sons at the front.

Dancing was interspersed with a musical programme consisting of songs by Misses Ruby Smith, Bella • Evans Madge Roacho, Mr Dan Roberts and tho Muir brothers. A recitation by Miss Woolhouse was excellently given and heartily applauded. Tho same can he said of the old time favourite Mr Andy Sharkey and his good fiddle. The Misses Ronche contributed a cleverly executed Oriental dance, and wer© heartily applauded. Dancing was kept merrily going until all hours. Supper was oerveu oy the Indies’ committee at midnight. The principal guests were tho esteemed mother and sisters (Mrs J. Martin Waitaha, and Mrs Richards) of Private Allen; "also Returned Soldiers Phillips, Henderson, and Fordham, with several Ruatapu, Lalf© and Waitaha visitors, whom we wero pleased to hav© with us on such an occasion. I very nearly forgot the accompanists. I have to admit, Mr Editor, I am almost in fear of trembling less I should omiit any of those kind-heart-ed good-natured souls, who so freely and willingly give their services'to help make the successes of our local functions, for they ar© like unto our public servants, they get more unkindly criticism than kudos in return for their efforts to serve the public. The accompanists were Mesdames Wickes, Misses Roberts, Evans and th© ever-ready, ever willing, Tom Foster. The M.C. was another good old stand-by, Mr Wm. Perara. Talk about forgetting, I think about the only thing omitted: we didn’t “God Save th© King.” hut am sure n w© did not ring it we all felt it, and hopo our Good King Geordi© don e mind, for as our worthy V.P. put it in making the presentation, w© neur wish to live in the time when hia Majesty’s portrait, even °n a stamp, will not be honoured and treasured by ©very living Britisher. Thus w© said Au Revoir to he, whom for the second time, goes forth to fight. Pro aria et forces.

SOCIAL AT WAITAHA. A farewell social was given to Private Stanley Allen and Private Cropper on Tuesday night at Waitaha, when they were given a purse ot sovereigns each. Regret I cannot giv© any details, as tho liV aitaha people forget to make these socials m their’s public; not because they don’t want outsiders, whom they always make welcome if you happen to strike I one of their functions. They just forget, that’s all. another send off. (Contributed by a Chum.) Quite a number of friends gathered together at Misses Lochardt’s Tearooms on Monday evening last to say farewell to their departing guest, Mr Arthur Stephens, who has been attached to the Ross Post Office staff for two years. Ho left tho following morning to take np his duties at tho Hokitm,. office, which we are glad to say means a step towards the top of the ladder. The young man, who lias been all his life in Ross, has proved himself both efficient an d obliging, and of sterling character. We join in wishing him every success in his future career. - t Quit© a number of items w«a« which helped to make the evening most enjoyable. Miss K. Lockhart rendered two very fine songs, Mr. Stephens sang in his usual good stylo, and was much appreciated. Mr Frank • Fellows also recited (Sandy Ross) which “cracked the ceiling.” Mr Ablosori aang on© op his witty and , humourous comics songs. 1 After doing full justice to the good things Misses Lockhart provided, which deserves special comment, a very joy able evening was concluded by staging “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and “God Save the King.”