FAREWELLING OUR BOYS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 December 1915, Page 3

FAREWELLING OUR BOYS

A VERY pleasant evening was spent in the,. Star Theatre, on Thursday evening last, the occasion being a " smoke " social tendered to four of our brave local boys, who are going to the front, viz., Lance-Corpl. Harris, Privates Russell, Geldard, and Bennett, the latter being at present here on sick leave.

Mr Elliot (in Black Watch uniform) presided, and Staff-Captain Turley was present, also members of the Legion of Frontiersmen and Rifle Club.

After the loyal toast,. Mr Elliott proposed "Our Guests," and said we should pay all respect and honour to our boys who are going to defend our country. It did not matter whether they be wealthy or lowly, they would all fight bravely just the same. Lance-Corpl. Harris responded, and said they were only going to do what others had dove and what was their duty to do. ■ Mr Hill proposed "Fallen Heroes," He said that we have sent about 25,000 men to the front, with 8000 casualties, and he was certain that all had done their duty gallantly. Dr. Phippen proposed " The Army and Navy and Auxiliary Forces," saving that thoughl we have heard very little of the* Navy, we know it has kept the commerce of the world open. Capt.. Turley said—The boys of New Zealand have been doing magnificent work during this great strife. The standard had been reduced, and he knew of about 25 in the town who had been turned down,in they first instance, whohe felt sure, if the came before the doctor again would be accepted. Mr J. Lambert proposed " Tho Boys at the Front;" remarking that for courage and endurance the N.Z boys could n.ot been beaten. Pt'n ate C. Bennett, a returned wounded soldici, gave a brief account of his experiences. Mr Hammond proposed " The Allies," bciying how proud we should be of them. Captain Sellars responded. Mr Sandin proposed "The Ladies." He said the ladies were a part of the Empire, who were playing the game j even in this town, and every patriotic event was made successful by their assistance. Mr Mascall responded. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs E. Mascall, J". Carter, A. J. Hill, .M. McGarvey, —. Screaton, .A..Hammond, and G. Murphy, and a couple of recitations by Mr McKinnon. 'Mr A. Bishop, of the Terminus Hotel, was responsible for tho catering, which was all that could be desired. The National Anthem concluded a most enjoyable evening. On her return from the Crimea, Florence Nightingale was' given £50,000', which she devoted to founding the Nightingale Home for Training Nurses.