A HEARTY SEND-OFF.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 19 October 1916, Page 3

A HEARTY SEND-OFF.

TO PRIVATES JACK AND TOM ROSS,

AND TOM DEAN

Fully one hundred people were present in Stewart's Theatre on Friday evening last, 13th inst., to wish three of our boys who are proceeding to the front, God speed and a safe return. The affair was in the form of a social and dance, and needless to say, everyone had a happy time —the time of their lives. The music was all that could be desired, Mrs Arlidge officiating on the piano with excellent execution. The duties of M.C. were undertaken by Mr Redfern, who was most energetic to see that everyone should toe the floor and enjoy themselves. The refreshments were in the hands cf the ladies, who supplied the same, the quality and quantity appeasing the most fastidious.

During the evening Major Turley, in an appropriate speech, presented the. soldier boys each with a safety razor and a pair of socks (the latter being presented by the Ladies' Patriotic League), stating that it gave him great pleasure, on behalf of the residents of Helensville, in having the honour of giving " the boys " some small token of appreciation prior to their departure. Events such as the present one should eventuate on all occasions prior to " our boys " leaving for the front. The speaker, continuing, stated that with respect to the present war, the tables had turned, and the allies were making steady progress in driving the enemy back to their own country. But for all that our men must not give up the idea of volunteering until they had come to a decisive victory, and subdued the foe. The allies had a very big score to pay back, and the sooner it took place the better. However, he sincerely hoped the war would come to a climax before these lads would arrive at their destination. They had a reputation to keep up, and the speaker felt sure they were just the metal to uphold the dignity of the country. (Cheers). Private T. Dean suitably responded.

Interspersed with the dancing there were several musical items on the programme, viz.: a banjo solo by Mr R. Screaton (Mr H. W. Stringer accompanying on the piano), which was highly appreciated ; songs were also rendered by Messrs. McGarvey, Hy. White, V. White, and Miss M, White, in a very pleasing style. A trio by Messrs Redfern Bros, and McGarvey was very nicely execute d. A dialogue by Mr R. Reyland, on the demise of a poor old Maori, created a great deal of amusement. This concluded one of the most enjoyable events that has taken place for a long time, and it was well into the morn before the - tired dancers wended their way homewards.