MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 165, 14 April 1916, Page 2

MANUREWA.

SOLDIERS' FAREWELLED.

Compulsory military service would probably bo considerably delayed or perhaps obviated if districts or amajl centres took up tho recruiting spirit in such an energetic way as is tho case at On Wednesday last a send-01l was given in tUq Public Hall to tho latest four recruits, via., Messrs Albert Luptou, Bert McAnally, Edward Kearney, and licury Lupton. A committee canvassed the district Jor subscriptions and the public liberally responded enabling the committee to make- a, presentation of a gold wristlet watoh to each of the four men. The hall was crowded t) the doors.

The Rev. C. W. Wood, prior Co tho presentation, made an recruiting speech. IJo said that ;V2,Q01) uion had volunteered foy sorvice in a small country like New Zealand and if compulsion cawo tomorrow history would record that

generous response. If compulsion came he would like to see an optional system also adopted in the interests of the boys wh6 would be c uning of age ; something like the Boer system or some other system that would enable them to rrtain the volunteer „ method, he considered, was absolutely essential. He had tDf-t mothers who had said to him th-it their boys should not fight. He thought that when man came to military age he belonged to the State, to tbe country that nurtured him. A call was great but a country's cal! was greater. Speaking of England prior to the war he said that the Motherland was in the bands of the dreamer. From the time, however, that she ttepped into the breach there had been no looking back. He recounted the magnificent days of the " contemptible little army" and our standing of to day. Addressing the recruits the rev. gentleman said " Yoa are taking your place in this great army, the greatest probably the world has ever seen. VV e know that no self seeking induced you to enter the ranks. As you fight you know you have the wishes of all those behind you. Some of you have been born in the district—you are a local production. We thall all expect to hear a good account of you and trust to see you back again." (Cheers.) On being handed their gifts the recipients suitably replied. The following programme was given: Musical Society, English, French and Russian National Anthem?, The Cuckoo and Anchored (part songs); song, Mrs T. Bell; recitation, Miss Lovell ; song, Mrs Hesketh; violin solo, Mrs Margett«; recitation, Mr T. J. Ccrin ; song, Miss Freshney; recitation, Master Britten Pegler. At the "close of the proceedings supper was handed round to the large audience. About 10 30 the floor was cleared for dancing in which some 50 couples took part. The following committee deserve great credit for the success of tho function: Mrs Huntly and Misses Costar and Lovell and Messrs H Bull, D. Phillip, C. Costar and S. Thompson.

With a desire to cater to the best interests of the young people of the district, the Methodists have instituted a Guild to run through the winter season, under distinct committees. Meetings are arranged for every Friday evening, in the following order : Social, Devotional, Literary, Camera Club, and Band of .Hope. The opening social takes place in tbe Public Hall to-night. This is to be followed by a Devotional service on Good Friday night and on the Friday following the Literary and Debating Society will hold a Mock Town Board election. For this seven young ladies and the same number of man have been nominated, and after giving their views on local topics, au election will follow. There is considerable interest in the Guild Tbe majority of the young folks in the district have become members, and the Guild should assist our young people to later take their part in matters affecting local government. The following officers have been appointed : President, Mr W. S Ptoter; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Enos S. Pegler and H. V. Burton; Hon. Treasurer, Miss F. FWshney ; Hon. Secretary, Mr E. G. LePetit; Literary Committee, Misses M. Craig, J. Finlay and Mr S. Craig. Camera Club: Miss Eleman and Messrs Britton, Pegler and L White. Social Committee: Misses F. Freshney, tlina Pegler, D Lovell and Mr D. Warlick. The Camera Club, which is undenominational, promises to be a very successful part of the Guild. Already a large number of enquiries have been made by prospective members. Full details can be ascertained at Mr Enos S. Pegler's office, where intending members are asked to leave their names. Mrs W. P. Palmer, the donor of the yearly prize for the child attending tbe public school possessing the gceitest agricultural knowledge, has signified her intention of contesting a seat on the School Committee, which election takes place on Monday evening. It behoves the householders to take an interest in the election, particularly since a lady has come forward as a candidate.

Interest so far is not very keen in connection with the forthcoming Town Board Election, but the following are mentioned as probable candidates, viz: Messrs Chas. and George Coxhead, T. Conn, F. E. White, C. H. Lupton, Rolls, G. E. Smith, Enos Pegler and H. V. Burton.