VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 18 October 1917, Page 3

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

A dance promoted by the student assistants of the Central Development Farm, in honour of one of their number (Mr Claud J. Ball), who has enlisted for service with the Expeditionary Forcts, was brought to a successful issue at the Druids' Hall on Monday night last. Amongst those present were —Mr J. Brown, Director of the Fields' Division ; Mr A. Cockayne, Government Biologist; Mr M. O'Brien, Divisional Clerk; Mr J. Stevenson, Acting Farm Manager. The students and friends mustered in good force, there being about 70 persons present. During the supper interval, Mr Stevenson, in the absence of the director, who had to leave earlier in the evening, asked Mr Ball to accept a wristlet watch, subscribed for by his many friends on the farm, as a small token of their esteem, and said he was voicing the 1 feelings of all when he wished him a good time in camp and a safe return from the turmoil of war, and that he would soon again take up duty on the farm. Mr O'Brien supplemented the previous speaker's remarks with a eulogy of the guest's many good qualities, and congratulated him on the step he was taking, which was the duty of all of military age. Mr Cockayne also added a few words of encouragement, and said he was proud to see so fine a specimen of New Zealand's manhood taking the earliest opportunity of going forward to fight for his country. The recipient suitably acknowledged the gift, warmly thanking all for their great kindness; also, his instructors and lecturers on the farm for their assistance. Dancing was again indulged in, and the function, which proved most enjoyable, was concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."