Farewell Concert

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 14 January 1916, Page 2

Farewell Concert

A Farewell Smoke Concert was tendered last Monday night at Mr Geo. Edwards Waikato Dining Rooms to Mr Claude Dent who has been connected with the Railway Staff at Huntly for some considerable time and who was leaving for Trentham Military Camp on Tuesday last to go into training with the 12th Reinforcement, Mr J. P. Bailey presided. There were about fifty present and the Railway Staff rolled up in full force. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W T . H- Bailey, J. M. Eccles and J. J. Maloney. The following programme was gone through: — Toast - The King ” proposed by the chairman. Songs Messrs. H. Stowe, (2) and E. Robson (2) A. Shand (2). Recitation Mr S. Scott. The toast of the ladies was placed in the capable hands of Mr F. Friendship, Mr Murphy being called on to respond for the fair sex. In his reply, Mr Murphy said that with regard to the War, as with other things in which they have an interest, there was no fear of the ladies not doing their bit, and, if every man would do his share with the same faithfulness, and put his shoulder to the wheel, the duration of the War would be shortened. Mr Littleproud was called upon to propose the toast of “ The Post and Telegraph Department." which he did without any unnecessary waste of time, Mr Mathews suitably responding. Mr Holland gave a recitation, and Mr Gerathty two songs, after which the Chairman proposed the toast “ Our Guest ” in a neat and appropriate speech, pointing out Mr Dent’s well-known good qualities, and expressing his firm conviction that he would uphold the prestige of our boys who had so gallantly fought at Gallipoli and Anzac Bay. It might be a year or more before the War was over, but Britain would come out of the fray on top. Mr Eailey concluded by wishing Mr Dent God Speed and a safe return to the Dominion. “ For he is a jolly good fellow.” He then, presented the guest with a wristlet watch, military brushes and a safety razor. The recipient said it was quite a surprise to him as he only expected a musical evening. He thanked one and all for their kindness and assured them that whenever he used them it would remind him of the pleasant evening he had spent in Huntly on the eve of his departure for camp.

Messrs A. Fraser, W. G. Wright, F. Tregoweth, and H. H. Sissons also spoke in terms of eulogy of the character of Mr Dent.

Song —■ Mr Connolly. The toast of the railway staff was proposed by Messrs Smith and F. Friendship, and responded to by Mr Conn, who said that Mr Dent would be greatly missed in the office, and that his place would be hard to fill. He hoped that (D.V.) he would come back, and take his place in the Railway Department again.

The toast of the visitors was then proposed by Mr J. Brooks, and responded to by Mr Rogers. The chairman proposed “ The Boys at the Front.” Mr J. Robertson replying on their behalf in a stirring speech, remarking that he felt sure that, if necessary, everyone in the room would go forward to keep the old flag flying. Songs were rendered by Messrs Neil and Murphy, and the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” and “ God Save the King," brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

Mr Bert. Farrimond officiated at the piano in his usual finished style.