PUKEKAWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 172, 20 February 1914, Page 3

PUKEKAWA.

HONOURING THE SPECIALS. A gathering over 100 assembled at the Pukekawa hall on Tuesday evening to do honour to the specials who went to the front during (he strike period. Mr G. Morrison .occupied the chair, and Mr R. F. Bollard, M.P. for Raglan, was present. Mr Hawke recited a locallycomposed poem "To the Returned Special o ," which we enclose in ttoa hope that the 'Time3" will find space to publish it. Mr Bollard, in beicg called upon to address th» meeting, said it gave him great pleasure in being present to do honour to the specials who had done such splendid work in keeping the porta open for the handling of the country's produce. He did not wish to make a political speech that evening. Twelve months hence he would be in the hall again and would give his hearers plenty of politics. Ihe speaker urged those present to strive to work in greater unity with surrounding districts. By pulling together much more could be accomplished. Our representative touched also upon the native land question, and said that it was desirable that all large areas, whether of native or Eu'opean ownership, should be cut up. Mr M. Orr returned thanks on behalf of the specials, followed by Mr Dynes Fulton as troop leader. Mr Fulton's statement "that Mr Massey deserved all credit for the way "in which he handled the strike" was received with loud applause. Heary cheers were given fer Mr Massey, Mr Bollard, the specials, and chairman. Excellent refreshments were provided, and the following programme rendered:—Duets, Misses Foley; song, Miss Hallamore; recitations, Mr Thomson; aong. Rev. Buttterworth; recitation, Mr R. Bumis; song, Mr H. B. Free; pianoforte solo, Miss M. Taylor; aorg, Mr Mason; recitation, Mr Hawke. Danckg was kept up to the eafly hours.

Ths rhyme recited Dy Mr Hawke was as follows:

This meeling is gathered this evening Unanimously—if you likeTo see that the boys are receiving Full thanks for their aid 'gaintt the strike.

From our midst not so tr.aiy responded, But we will g : ve them their due; We consid.r their actions more roble So we'll proudly stand for our few.

And this evening we want each one present To respond as he's ne'er done before, And give cheers for Ayre, Brewster and Murray, The same for S. Baiton and Orr.

Without doubt 'twas a serious position And the baton was but a poor help; Unlike the poor savage in warfare They stopped short of his trophv, the scalp.

But one thing they did scalp completely 'Twas the great wrong infringing the right; So let us each show kindred feeling By cheering our specials to-night.