OFF TO THE FRONT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 16, 26 February 1915, Page 2

OFF TO THE FRONT.

Capt. Wilkinson Farewelled

Advantage of the temnnr-f v 'ftum to Pukekohe of Captai i. t'. Wilkinson, who had of absence from the military authorities to enable him to be present at the PuKekohe Show, has been taken to demonstrate to the popular officer in a tangible way public appreciation of his patriotism and loyalty in joining the New Zealand Expeditionary Force tor service in the war. Captain Wilkinson is one of the best known agriculturists in the Pukekohe district, but abandoning at his country's call business pursuits in the meantime be recently proceeded to Trentham for training preparatory to setting forth for the seane of hostilities. Captain Wilkinson served in the Volunteers and Territorials as an officer, but | subsequently on his own application Ihe was placed on ths reserve list, jAt the commencement cf the war Ihe resumed duty and tr.ok the I command of the C Sqiadrcn, 3rd Auckland (Mounted! Rifles.

On Tuesday last Captain Wilkinson was the guest of the evening at a smoker social given in his honour at tho Oddfellows' Hall by his fellow-members of the Loyal Pukekoh.2 Lodge, M.U, a company numbering about 60 being present, presided over by Br<). D. R. Hamilton. A most etijoyajjle evening was spent, some excellent musical items'being contributed by Messrs Walker, Brooks, W. Jones, Morton, Whittaker and Kingston. Various toasts were proposad and duly honoured. In recognition of his recent occupancy of the chair of the Lodge, Bro. Captain Wilkinson was presented with a P.G.M. medal, and he was also the recipient uf an illuminated address, which read as follows:

"To Bro. A. E. Wilkinson, "Past Grand,— "On the eve of your departure from our midat to go on active service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces to assist the Umpire in the present crisis, we, the members of Loyal Pukekohe Lodge, M.IJ., 1.0.0. F., cannot allow the occasion to pass without placing on record our keen appreciation of the many services you have rendered to this Lodge and the Order generally. "From its very infancy this Lodge has had the benefit of your guiding hard and your untiring and self - sacrificing efforts to further its interests and promote its welfare has won for you the regard and eßteem of every brother. "It is not only in the local Lodge that your zeal and energy has been manifested, but all members, past and present, recognise the very keen administrative abilities you have brought to bear on the District Management Committee. "We also desire to congratulate you on the high and responsible position you occupy as an officer in the Dominion Forces, and we are confident that the same zeal and ability you have shown in all matters connected with the Order will be again displayed in the discharge of your military duties. "In asking your acceptance of this address as a tribute to the esteem in which you are held by the Lodge, we wish you to feel that while away on Active Service our thoughts will be constantly with you. We pray that you will be spared in health and strength and in the , near future to rejoin us in the Lodge room." Signed on behalf of the Lodge, .). H. Keith, p.g. H. I. Wilcox, g.m. S. Harper, n.q. W. S. Baird, v.g. R. B. Chambers, Permanent Sec. The Address, which was most artistically designed by Mr F. E. Simpron, was framed in oak and was surmounted by a portrait of Bro. Wilkinson in Paßt Grand regalia, flanked on either side by views of his homestsad and a military camp, and by the New Zealand Flag and the Unio»Jack, while at the bottom of the Address was a reproduction in colours of the emblem of the Manchester Unity. PATRIOTIC LEAGUE'S GIFT. Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon the Pukekohe branch of the Patriotic League farewelled Captain Wilkinson in the Premier Hall, which was generously lent for the occasion free of charge by Mr Coady, some 60 ladies and gentlemen being present. The Mayor (Mr C. K. Lawrie) presided. Mr R. F. Webster said it was a pleasure to see capable men like Captain Wilkinson going out to fight under the British Flag for the Allied Nations. He was certain that their guest would acquit himself capably and do credit to himself and all those he represented. He wished Captain Wilkinson a safe return to Pukekohe. The Rev. F. B. Dobson expressed the pleasure it gave him to do honour to Captain Wilkinson. Captain Wilkinson had followed worthily in his father's footsteps. In doing duty with the Expeditionary Force Captain "Wilkinson was going to do something good and useful, and I would be doing an hunour to his ' wife, who was making a great I sacrifice iu allowing her husband to j leave her to do his duty. He wished him God speed and a safe return to New Zealand. The Mayor remarked that the people of Pukekohe admired Captain Wilkinson's courage in going to the front. It was pleasing to him to see men of the stamp of Captain Wilkinson coming to the assistance of the British Empire and going out to light under the British Flag. (Applause. On behalf of the Pukekohe Patriotic League and tho people of Pukekohe he Mayor) asked Captaiu Wilkinson's acceptance of a pair of field glasses, and added that they all trusted that Captain Wilkinson and his comrades would returu to the Dominion safely. Captaiu Wilkinson, in responding, stated the field glasses presented to liini would be most valuable, particularly for seeing the line of tiro in the trenches and to concentrate fire and to assist in allowiug for windage and guagiug the sight. They were a most necessary factor, particularly when one was responsible for over 100 brave lives. He thanked them for their kindness, particularly Mr Webster, through whose assistance he had received his first promotion in military circles. , The field glasses bore the follow-

ing inscription " l'rosented to Captain A. E. Wilkinson by the residents of Pukekohe on the eve of his departure with the Expedition' ary Force." Captain Wilkinson attended the annual meeting of the Auckland district of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows in Auckland on Wednesday last, and had the dis> tinction of beiug elected P.D.G.M. for the ensuing year, bmng also nominated, without -opposlton, for the post of-P.G.M. for •