ONEWHERO.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 130, 10 January 1916, Page 2

ONEWHERO.

"OFF TO THE FRONT" SOLDIFK "BOYS" FAKEWELLED

Emanating from a desire to show their appreciation of tbe action taken by four of tbe district's most respected voung men, viz., Messrs Jack Geraghty, Andy Arnold Allen and George Elridge, in enlisting in the Twelfth Reirforcementß, their friends assembled at the Onewhero Boardinghouse un Friday evening last and extended to the departing soldiers a farewell in the form of a smoking concert. The room was gaily decorated f r the occasion with Hags and evergreens. A more congenial evening could not have been spent. Old settlers were w:ll represented, and even Maori War veterans were present. The role of chairman was admirably filled by Mr W Keyea. The committee wfco arranged tbe function, Mr N C Cole-Baker being secretary, deserve the highest credit for their admirable arrangements.

It is interesting t) record the fact that Mr AndyGeraghty, one of tbe guests of the evening, was the first European boy born on the Onewhero side of the Waikato river.

Old identities present included Messrs E McWhirtar, V Gritfin, W Kejes, S H Crawford, F Box, W Fellow, J Cummings and J Clarke, whiht tbs returned soldiers were represented by Privates Stanley Ohlson and Ro&srt Clarke. After the toast of "The King," the chairman expressed pleasure in propoiing the health of the guests. He congratulated them on taking the manly step of going out to fight for their parents, relatives and sweethearts. They were making, he said, a great sacrifice for their country. Mr Arnold Allen was the first to respond. H claimed that it was no sacrifice for a man to enlist; it was eveiy eligible man's duty, and th-:y would have found him io the ranks long ago hid there been a vacancy. He urged young men to enlist and to thus avoid the adoption of conscription.

Mr Jack Gcragbtv remarked that dairy termers were severely criticised at times tor not enlistiag, und he explained that it was not always opportune for them to get away, but as eoon as reasonable opportunity oll'ered they did their duty. He considered that the chances of arriving back from tha Front scathless were good. It was a good sportiag chance and worth risking, and if the wi'9hi>s of those present were given effect to thev would arrive back safely. Messrs Andy Geraghty and G Eldridge also replied. "The Navy" was responded to by Mr J York, who said that he was proud that he had served eight yeas in the Navy, and, it necessary, ha would be prepared to again enter its ranks. Mr Stanley Oblson, in returning thanks for the manner in which the toast of "The Army" had been honoured, said he considered himself a lucky man to have had the opportunity of serving as a unit in the British Army for five years, tor twelve months ot which he had been on active service. As in the days of old the British Army, he was confident, would uphold its own in the present conflagration, and in a very short time would come out on top. Mr N C Cole-Baker, in replying to the toast of "The Allies," said that in view of the past achievements he was confident that th; Allied Nations would yet do still better.

troopers fJ Clarke and S Ohlson responded to the toast of "Returned Soldiers." The toimer intimated his desire to be back again in the ranks, which he said he would again enter if circumstances permitted. Mr Ohl-on expressed pleasure at his comrades' enlistments, and wished them a safe return.

Mr E McWhirter was the first to lespond to the toast of the "Old Settler."." He was pleased to be amongst his old friends, and to be presant when tha young men were being farewell id. Some of their parents he know before the young fellows were born. He had lost one son at the Dardanelles, and he himself bad served in the Maori war.

A pleasant little ceremony was performed at this stage, the chairman, amidst cheers, pinning the Maoii War Medal on the veteran'? coat.

Mr McWhirter, continuing, said that lis hoped that the boys would come out ot the coniiict safely and be presented with a medal similar to hia.

Mr P Gritlin also responded to the same toast. He hoped that plenty of men would be forthcoming, if wanted. Mr S Crawford further returned thanks. The gathering, be said, was bevorcl hi a expectations. He had been at many banquets, but considered that one took premier place. Onewhero was always up to the times—A voice: Always ahead (f the times—but that function wuulld be nothing compared to the reception the "boys" would be given on tluir return. When referring to some old veterans in the district who had taken part in the Crimean War he mentioned hia father's name, the late Mr G H Crawtord. He also relerred to the Waiuku Kegirnsnl that had fought throughout the Maori War without ones being defeated. The thanks of Piosc present were conveyed by the chairman to Mr and Mrs Smith and Mrs Attewell, who were responsible for the catering. Mr Smith suitably responded, 'fhanks were also accorded to Mr John Clarke, whi had olliciated at the piano, 'lhe musical programme was contributed to by the fallow irg: Songs by Messrs C Parsons, J Liddle, A Allen, W Pentecost, I York, L D O'Brien, and a fecita-1 tion by Mr R Glasgow.

On the previous evening a social in honour ol the tour soldiers was held in tho Public Hall, practically the whole settlement burg present and accorded the i|iiartet a threat ovation as they marched on the platform. The hall had been tastefully decoraled by the ladies, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Mr D Moore, the local Councillor, took the chair

and wished "the boys" j)d Speed in a very able and patriotic speech.

The cnncert was a good one and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Songs were rendered by Mrs Bark and Messrs Egdar, Costane, Butterworth, Allen and Bark Mrs Alexander and Mrs Bark acted as accompanists. Hev Butterworlb ablv endorsed the tßrew ell speech of the chairman, and tbe National Anthem being sung supper was then supplied by tbe ladles. This was followed by a most enjoyable dance, Airs Bark acting as musician. At about 1.30 arn HI joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne, followed by "tor They Are Jolly Good Fellows," and this brought a memorable and enjoyable evening to a close.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION A meeting of ratepayers of the Onewhero Riding of Raglan County was held in the Onewhero Public Hal) on Wednesday, 22nd December, at the invitation of Councillor Moore, member for the riding, wben he gave an account of nil stewardship during the past year. In the courrc of his statemeat be suggested that ex-Councillor Crawford had left the riding roads and finances in anvtbing but a good condition, as tbe latter had claimed. This naturally causel some stir in the audience, and ex-Councillor Crawford, at the close ot Mr Moore's addiess, was quick to challenge tbe latter on the financial position. Through the chairman, Mr W Keyes, he demanded to know what had been done with the £ll3O coll-cted in the riding as rates, and Councillor Moore explained that £4OO had ben given him to spend oi road works of various kinds; but the system of County bookkeeping was such that he coulj not sav what became of tbe ether £730. Mr Crawford ridiculed tbe idea that tbe County book-keeping was at fault, and claimed that Cr Moore was at fault for not knowing how the money bad been spent. Messrs E Muir, Attewell, Norman Baker, John Allen and Len Allen took part in the somewhat heated discussion. Tbe meeitng concluded with a vote ot thanks.

The crofi! in the district, some o! which are now only being cut, are extremely promising and should give excellent results. With the exception ot the rust, which Ins only made its appearance in a small way, the farmer] will have no other obstacles to contend with. The annual "At Home" in connection with the Tennis Club was held as usual on New Year's Day and attracted a large gathering that soon settled down to the summer pastime. Same attractive play was wituessed and on the whole the day was made moat enjoyable, a pleasing interlude being the afternoon tea which was provided by the ladies. Noticeable among the players were novices, who exhibited a keen interest in the sport, which, it' kept up, should considerably strengthen the club. The courts were in excellent condition, and the weather admirably fitted in with the general arrange* mmts cf the day. In the Club's secretary, Mr K Glasgow, the club have an untiring and efficient official, under whose guidance it shoud prosper.