A FAREWELL TO SOLDIERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1917, Page 4

A FAREWELL TO SOLDIERS.

A LARGE GATHERING

The Town llall was again crowded to ,it s utmost- capacity last night when the send-off to the 3(sth Reinforcements took place. All'. L. F. tie Berry, vice President of the Oversas Club presided, and presented an excellent programme which was enjoyed by the large audience. Tlio musical programme comprised several glees by pupils, of the sth and 6th classes at the State School under Miss Ward, which were given with excellent effect and received well deserved applause. Alessrs Lawn (piano), and Gibbons (flute), gave a very popular duet (encored,) Aliss Davidson and Airs Rowe sang a duet (encored), Miss Graham gave a solo (encored), Air. Irving’s song also being encored. Miss Hacked gave a recitation in excellent style. Air. AYilson a visitor, fairly took the audience by storm, and hi s reception was of the heartiest, a treble encore being demanded for liis first item, and in the second half, four extras were given before he was allowed to sit down, Mrs Wilson who accompanied him also joining her husband in two of the latter items, to. the evident appreciation ol those present. The accompanists were Mis s Daly, Alis s Macfarlaue, and Airs Wilson.

The Mayor (Air. G. A. Perry) received a hearty welcome, Air de Berry in asking him to speak expressing appreciation at his return from his holiday trip to Australia, remarks which the audience signified approval by a round of applause. Mr. Perry r eforred in general terms to tlu" spirit that New Zealand had shown, and expressed tile opinion formed as the result of his visit, that .Australia was equally loyal and determined to win the. war, giving his reasons for having formed this opinion. Air. Perry convoyed to the men going . ‘ front his hearty good wishes for a safe return. i Dr. Hollow ay,, was the next speaker, . expressing his pleasure at the kindness of the management of the send-offs arranging for a representative of the Churches Union to officially speak. He said that there were two things especially that they had to think ofj Their rights and their responsibilities. Tie ‘emphasised that their country had the right- to ask for anything that was required to win the war, while they also should do their utmost to fathom and understand the meaning of wliat. was happening day by day so that they could fully understand wliat- really was occurring. Air. Holloway concluded an excellent speech with a few words to the departing men expressing the good wishes that would follow them in the journey they were ee/mmencing with God speed back again.

Mr. de Berry in returning thanks to those who had so kindly given their services for the successful gathering, and to the audience for their attendance stated that there would be no December send-off, the next one being held some time in January.

1 The National Anthem, sung by the school children concluded a very successful gathering. Subsequently the Overseas Club entertained a number at supper at the Club rooms.