VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1539, 15 April 1916, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

A valedictory social was tendered to Mr and Mrs J. Bnglass by the Presbyterian congregation in the schoolroom on Thursday night. Mr Buglass has disposed of his business in‘Foxton, in order to place his skilled services at the disposal of the British war authorities. Mr Buglass’ services have been accepted, and he leaves for England at the end of the month, and will be employed at Messrs Vickers, Son and Maxims’ works. Some months ago Mr Buglass’ partner, Mr Munro, offered his services to the Home authorities which were accepted, and he is now busy “ somewhere in France.’ ’ There was a good attendance, and the Rev. J. H. Bredin presided. The affair opened with the National Anthem. Songs were contributed by Miss Kempton, Messrs Aitkin, J. McColl, Henderson and a duet by Mrs Patterson and Mr McColl, recitations by Miss Rockel and Messrs J. Stewart (a fine rendering of a stirring patriotic item), Claris and Hornblow, and by special request Mr Buglass sang. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Patterson and Messrs C. B. Collins aud Henderson. Nearly every item was encored. The Chairman referred to the object of the gathering. He acknowledged the devoted services of Mr Buglass as choirmaster and Mrs Buglass as Bible class leader. The congregation would miss them very much. He paid a tribute to the high sense of duty to King and country, which had moved Mr Buglass to sacrifice a lucrative business in order -to place his s*ervices at the disposal of the Empire. His engineering skill was widely known, and he hoped it would be his good fortune to finish the shell that would settle the war. On behalf of the church he wished them God speed and a safe return to New Zealand. Messrs Claris aud Hornblow also spoke on behalf of the choir and session. Mrs Buglass feelingly responded. After supper had been dispensed under the supervision of Mesdames J. Ross and McColl, those assembled joined hands and' sang “ Auld Lang Syne,” concluding with three hearty cheers for the guests.

On Thursday afternoon Mr Buglass was the recipient of a travelling rug from the business people. The presentation was made by the Mayor who said that the business people regretted Mr Buglass’ departure, but they recognised that he had heard and answered the call of duty, and were confident that he would do good service in the ranks of the munition workers at home. Asa private citizen Mr Buglass was held in the highest esteem by all, and was always willing to do anything in his power to promote the welfare of the district. As a business man he was straightgoing, and reliable, whose Word was his bond. On behalf of the business people the Mayor asked Mr Buglass to accept the presentation, with the best wishes for a pleasant trip, and the hope that Mr and Mrs Buglass would afterwards return to New Zealand. Messrs John Ross, J. Robertson, Henderson and Simmons also paid a tribute to Mr Buglass’ many good qualities. Mr Buglass suitably responded, and the gathering terminated with the singing of “ He’s a Jolly good fellow.”