PATUMAHOE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 257, 9 March 1917, Page 3

PATUMAHOE

There was a crowded attendance at a farewell, organised by the local branch of the Farmers' Union, given in honour of Pte W. J. Sommerville, who was on final leave, in the Patumahoe Public Hall last Friday evening. The first portion of the pro coedings took the form of a euchre party and subsequently the Hall was cleared for dancing, Mr R. Johns acting as M.C. and Messrs Howard and Hunter supplying the dance music. After the first dance Mr R. W. Johns, as President of the Mauku Branch of the Farmers' Union, asked Pto Sommerville's acceptance of a case of pipes. He expressed the esteem in which their guest was held and commended the work done and energy displayed by Mr Sommerville to further the interests of the Farmers' Union. Mr Joseph Henry then made a presentation on behalf of the to Private Sommerville of a wristlet watch. He remarked on the goolwill extended by ■ all towards Pte Sommerville and trusted he would see the end of the war through and march triumphantly to Berlin and be back again before the next potato season. Pte. Sommerville, in responding, said he appreciated what the people had done and the spirit which prompted the gifts more than the intrinsic value of the articles. The case of pipes he would especially value for when on duty he always found the pipe a great consolation and comfort when he was inclined to be irritable. Pte Sommerville trusted he would have the luck to return and said he would at least do his duty whatever the result The Harvest Festival at the Mauku Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday afternoon next when Mr Baiton will be the preacher. Just before leaving for Trentham Lance-Corpl W. H. Hawke was asked to meet a few friends at the Patumahoe Hotel when a presentation was made to him of a tobacco pouch by Mr R. W. Johns on behalf of a few friends who wished to show their appreciation of the esteem in which he was held. The evening was spent in a pleasant way by songs and recitations. Lance - Corpl. Hawke thanked them all for their gift. He said he would always remember his friends at Patumahoe when far away doing his bit for the Empire.