"OFF TO THE FRONT."

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 97, 18 October 1915, Page 2

"OFF TO THE FRONT."

For the purpose of fareweiling Messrs Ovey Bilkey, F. Bloxham and B. Dougherty, who are leaving next week for Trentham, a representative and large gathering of residents of Pukekobe assembled at a smoking concert held in the Masonic Hall on Friday evening last. Mr James Rouhton, the convenor of the function, presided in a manner worthy of the occasion. On the risht of the chairman sat the gueßts of the evening. The toast of the King having been honcured, the chairman, ia addressing the company, said (hat they had met together to mark Jin some small manner their appreciation ot the sacrifice Messrs Ovey Bilkey, Bloxham and Doubgerty were making in going to the f;ont, proceeding first to Trentham and later to Europe. Ihey were going out to dn th ir level beit to put down the tyranny ot the Kaiser, (Applause). He tad known th2 three generations of the Bilkey family, tor over [4O year'. Mr Ovey Bilkey's grandfather was a pioneer settler of Auckland After having made a success of farming in the Old Country he emigrated to that district ar.d the settlers there and in the surrounding districts benefitted as a result of his acviie. It had, however, been lift to the third generation of Ihe family to put tbe seal on the public sacrifice ths family was making. Two of Mr Bilkey's sons were already at the war, another son was about to go, and a daughter (Mias Gwend line Bilkey) wss training in Auckland for nursing work. On behalf of the gathering the chairman then presented Messrs Bilkey, Bloabam and Dougherty with a wristlet watch each and to Mr Ovey Bilkey hi handed,, on bthilf of a private admirer, a tobacco pouch.

Mr C. Roadley was entrusted with the toast of "Our Guests," 'whim 112 claimed were viitually giving their lives to protect the homss of those who remained behind. In the few dealings be had had with Mr Bbxham he found him honest and upright, and Mr Dougherty he knew would, like all Itiebmau, do bis dut; T . He hid u great respect for the Bilkey family. Mr Ovey Bilkey was an honourable man, and the town that could produce such a man 9h)uld, in his opinion, be proud of itsalf. He wished them God Speed. Mr 0. Bilkey responded in an eloquent manner, stating that it was his honest opinion that bh colour should be khaki and his destination fore'gn lands. He was proud to be a unit of the British Army, and a member of tbe New Zealand Army, whose boys had tought so gallantly, enwninz themselves with glory on the tit Ids of liallipoli. (Applause). Messrs Bloxham and Dougherty also suitably responded. The toast of "Mr Robert Bilkey" was proposed by Mr Hodgson Keith, and in replying Mr Bilkey made it clear that it was his firm conviction that it wss the duty of every eligible man to find his way the front.

There cheers were called for Mrs Bilkey a vigorous reaponee resulting.

Otber toasts honoured were aa follows, viz."Mercantile Interests," proposed by Mr F. Perkins and responded to by Mr tirigor; "The Boys at the Front," proposed by Mr Boekett, Mr F. Brown respondiug; "The Army and Navy," submitted by Mr M. Wright, Mr J. W. Johns responding; "Iha Ladies," proposed by Mr Lysnar. and responded to by Mr Coidy. The health ot tbe rhairraao wes submitted by Mr H. H. O'Loughlen, and was most cordialiy honoured.

Ihe function concluded about midnight with the Binging of "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save tbe King." The managerial duties were most capably carried out by Mr H. H. O'Loughl'n, and Ihe musical programme waß contributed to by Mears S. O'Malley, Robert Bilkey, L. Wilson, W. Jonrs, M. Wright, M. Brunnette, and recitations being given by Mr H. Cribble. Mr C Rickit kindly acted as ascompanlst.