VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1747, 16 August 1917, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

Mr and Mrs Aitken were entertained by the Patriotic Society and friends at a social in the Masonic Hall last night, and were_also the recipients of presentations. Mr and Mrs Aitken have taken a keen interest in loeal efforts for patriotic purposes, and it was felt that some tangible acknowledgment should he made of their services. Mr Aitken has been called up for service, and will go into camp at an early date, and Mrs Aitken will take up her residence in Palmerston. The interior of the hall was charmingly decorated with greenery and hunting, and there was a good attendance of friends present. It was a song title social, and some curious and ingenious mottos were exhibited. One gentleman sported a sausage on his coat lapel—“Oh Where lias My Little Dog Gone?” The competition created much in I crest. Mrs Healey succeeded in guessing the greatest number of titles, with Mrs Ail ken second, and Miss Elsie Robinson was awarded the prize for tiie most original representation — “Si rangers "Yet” — the separated phot ns of a man and woman. The prizes wore guesses in a competition arranged by the Ladies’ Guild. Vocal items were interspersed with dancing. Miss Lenihan presided at the piano. During an interval, the Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) presented Mr Aitken with a wristlet watch and purse of sovereigns, and Mrs Aitken with a silver phofofraine. In making the presoldalion, the .Mayor said Eoxtou regretted losing Iwo such valuable citizens. It was rigid that, public apprecialion should lie made in some tangible form of: the good work they had done mi behalf of (he wounded soldiers' fund— in this connection Air Ail ken had been instrumental with of hors in raising by concerts the sum of £2o(). Outside this, Air Aitken had always given In* services willingly as a vocalist at local concerts, and his voice was a valuable personal asset, winch would .give pleasure to iiis comrades in camp. He wished both Mr and Mis Aitken God-speed, and assured (hem (hat limy would receive as hearty a welcome on their return to Eoxtou. The company then sang, “For They arc doily Good Fellows.” Mr Aitken feelingly responded, and said he would over remember the many kindinsses of (he I’oxton people. It had been a pleasure to him to he associated in patriotic efforts with such good companions and excellent talent. Those who contributed items were: Misses Bryant, Signal, Airs Tevioidale, Messrs Thompson, TJornhlow and Kel low. Mr Kcilow made an efficient AI.C. Refreshments were supplied by the ladies. The National Anthem and A aid Lang Syne concluded a very enjoyable evening.