FOR THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17279, 21 September 1916, Page 9

FOR THE FRONT.

DEPARTING SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED.

On Monday evening, in tho Courtenay Schoolroom, a farewell social was tendered to Messrs T. Rilev and Arthur Roper on the eve of their departure for camp with the Twenty-first Reinforcements. The room was crowded, and an onjoyablo programme of vocal items was contributed by Mesdames G. A. Bedford, J. H. Bedford, Misses E. Colee, Willsteed. K. 1 inner, Robertson, Hooker, Robson and M’Aao and Messrs J. H. Bedford and M’Naulty. The Rev P. lleveil gave a reading. Music for the'dance was supplied by Mrs A. E. Moffatt, Misses itooertson and M rvao and Mr K. uumey. Mr U. T. Robertson, on behalf of the residents, presented eacii guest with a wristlet watch, hoid-all, money belt, soldier s kune and safety razor. A number of members of the Richmond Amateur Swimming Club assembled ou Tuesday even.ng to bid farewell to Private H. Yard ley, of the Eighteenth Reinforcements. Mr E. E.dridge (club captain), in presenting Privato Yardlcy with a case pipe, referred to the keen interest lie had always taken in the club’s affairs, and particularly in looking after the junior members. On behalf of members of the club generally ho wished Private Yardley God-speed and a*safo return. Sergeant A. Barnett, Corporal L. Peryman, Privates J. Borwick, D. Norquay and G. Wilian, of the E.ghteenth Reinforcements, were entertained at the Tai Tapu Hall oil 1) ednesday evening. There was a large attendance. Captain R. Macartney occupied tho chair and was supported by Colonel R. H. Rhodes, M.P. An enjoyable musical programme was supplied by Mesdames Nelson and Brown, Misses Nottingham, Lawler and Greta Andrews, Mr H. Watson and Master Williams, the accompaniments being played by Misses Lawler and Tanner. Speeches were delivered by the Revs J. Hill, F. B. Redgrave and B. Metson, Mr R. A. Forbes, the chairman, and Colonel Rhodes. On behalf of tho residents Colonel Rhodes presented each soldier with a gold medal, suitably inscribed. Private G. Holmes, who was unable to bo present-, will also receive a medal. Dancing, to music supplied by Mr J. Heinzmann, concluded a very pleasant evening. The members of the Tai Tapu Methodist Church and their friends entertained Sergeant A. Barnett and Corporal Peryman on Friday evening, the Rev B. Metson presiding. The guests have been prominent- members of the church and were spokon of in a most appreciative manner in speeches by Messrs R. A. Forbes, J. Gilmour, C. H. Graham and T. O. Morgan. Each soldier was the recipient of. an air cushion, a case of razors, a mirror and a oompass, the chairman making tho presentations. Vocal solos were contributed by M’sses Tobeck, Parrett and Hubbard, and Mr H. Watson; recitations by Mr J. Lancaster, and a readms bv Mr T. O. Morgan. A farewell social wa&' tendered to Private A. Swanson in the Brookside School on Tuesday evening. Mr J. Cunningham, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, ou behalf of the residents, presented the guest with a money belt and writing outfit, and in doing so referred to the splendid manner in which the young men of tho district had responded to the call of King and EmTjiro. Miss E. K. Scott and Messrs J. S. Boag, J. A. Scott and J. Boag, jun., also spoke. A progressive euchre Tournament was held and musical items were given by Misses Henderson (2). Cunningham, Buckhurst and Gladys Brooks, and Messrs J. Cunninghanv J. Watson and J. S. Boag. The evening concluded with a dance.