SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1690, 24 March 1917, Page 3

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

AT OP HI MILL. Anyone who bad been present at the Opui mill last night who had any misgivings as to the patriotism and loyally of the llaxmill employees, would have had such doubts dispelled. The employees had arranged a send-off to two of (heir fellow employees, who are about to go into eamp, Messrs Jack Irons and George Knapp. A large marquee was erected for (bo dinner, and (he entering, provided by Mr and Mrs Rhodes, was par excellence. The assemblage totalled 137. Mr A. J. Gibbs, managing director of the mill, presided. The toasts ol the guests were drunk in time-hon-oured fashion. In presenting the guests with safety razors, military brushes am! combination knives, on behalf of I heir fellow employees, the chairman referred to the excellent (pmlilies of (he guesls, particularly Mr Irons, who laid won (he confidence and esteem of both employers and employees. This fact was voiced by oilier speakers. Tim guesls feelingly responded, and (hanked all for the good wishes expressed'and tokens ol' esteem. Mr Riches, a relumed soldier, emphasised the need for men in (he lightini*' liiic'j iiiul look owision to i'on tradict a rumour that shortages of labour in Ibis country would he made up by alien immigrants. He said the Returned Holders’ Associalion, which was a strong organisation, would see to il that nothing of this sort happened, and that the returned men and their dependents would be fairly treated and the country kept white. After an adjournment was made to the diningroom, which had been spend ally prepared for dancing, and which presented a very animated scene. Excellent music was supplied, and the M.G., Mr Heady, saw that every one bad 11 good lime. Songs were rendered by Ihe Hakaraia family, and Miss Doris McLeod danced the Highland Fling. The gathering broke up in the early hours of Hie morning. The committee responsible included Messrs Kennedy, Richards, Parker, Alex. Morgan and others, and they are to he congratulated upon the success of their efforts.