FOXTON DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1457, 9 October 1915, Page 3

FOXTON DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

DINNER & PRESENTATION TO .SERGT.-MAJOR KIRKLEY.

The Foxton Defence Rifle Club entertained Sergt.-Major Kirkley, its former club captain, at a dinner in Mr Perreau’s rooms on Thursday night, when opportunity was also taken to present him with a case of pipes as a token of esteem from his club mates. Sergt.Major Kirkley, some time ago, answered the call to serve his King and country and joined the reinforcements connected with the Trentham Regiment (Lord Liverpool’s Own) which is shortly to leave for the front.

There was a good muster of riflemen present to do honour to their departing comrade, together with several prominent citizens. The chair was occupied by the club president, Mr C. F. Johnston, with the guest seated on his right. After the usual loyal toast, the President in a neat speech made the presentation. In doing so he referred to lire keen interest Sergt.-Major Kirkley had taken in defence matters generally and the club in particular. He would be missed by members but not torgotten. They admired the sentiments which bad prompted him to serve his country and realised the sacrifice he was making. He hoped the guest would he spared to return to them and to smoke the pipe of peace in'a good old age. Mr Geo. O. Barber, ex-presi-dent, endorsed the president’s remarks and referred to the keen interest Sergt.-Major Kirkley had always evinced in the club’s welfare. Nothing was 100 much trouble to the guest where the club was concerned. In fact the usual cry was "leave it to the guest.’’ He felt sure he would nobly do his duty In the Empire’s cause.

Sergt.-Major Kirkley, in responding, was accorded a hearty round of applause and admitted he was placed in an awkward position. He would rather face many things than the duty then before him. It was difficult tor him to say how much he appreciated the token of esteem from the club and the kind sentiments which prompted it. He would do his best while at the front to do credit to the Foxton Rifle Club and thanked them for their good wishes. The guest’s health was drunk with enthusiasm and with musical honours.

Dr. Maudl also paid a tribute to the guest. He said if we truly recognised the privileges we enjoyed under the British flag, then it was not only a duty but a privilege, to defend those rights. Referring to the war he said the Empire was fighting in the cause of justice and liberty. He hoped the guest would distinguish himself by winning the V.C. Mr G. H. Stiles, ex-Mayor, regretted the unavoidable absence of the Mayor and stated that the guest was highly esteemed as a citizen and he would carry away with him the very best wishes of the townpeople. There were plenty of men at the front who had earned the V.C. but the honour had not been conferred upon them. From what he knew of Sergt. - Major Kirkley he could say that he would not be found wanting in those deeds at the front which characterised a brave soldier and a gentleman. The send-ofl to the guest that night would be as nothing compared to the reception that would be accorded him on Iris return home.

Other speeches were made by the club secretary (Mr KenlJohnston) and Messrs Hornblow and Boyes.

A presentation of a fountain pen was also made by the President, on behalf of the club, to the late energetic secretary, Mr Ashmore, who suitably acknowledged same. During the evening items were given by Messrs Hornblow, Claris, Smith, the President, KentJohnston and G. O. Barber. The function closed with the National Anthem, “Auld Pang Syne” and cheers for the guest.