OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 380, 31 May 1918, Page 3

OTAHUHU

A farewell social was tendered to Mr and Mrs Clarkson and family by the congregation of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Otahuhu, on Saturday evening in the Masonic Hall. There was a large gathering and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Before supper was partaken of the Eev Curry in a neat speech spoke of Mr and Mrs Clarkson's long and faithful services in the Church, Mr Clarkson being for many years one of the managers, and Mrs Clarkson at one time holding the position of organist and also being a member of the choir. The rev. gentleman presented Mr and Mrs Clarkson with a handsome tea set and loast rack. Mr H. Moffit read a letter from the Session referring to the good work done by Mr and Mrs Clarkson and wishing them God speed in their newsphere of life. This letter was handed to Mr Clarkson with a ceitificate from the Church. Mr Joe Hunter also made a few remarks regretting the departure of their guests from the district.

Mr W. Gardiner, president of the St Andrew's Club, expressed regret on behalf of the club at losing such active workers as Mr and Mrs Clarkson and family. He then asked Miss Marjorie Moffit to present Miss Maggie Clarkson with a box of handkerchiefs and Mr Drew Clarkson with a set of hair brushes, Mr Clarkson suitably acknowledged the gifts and made mention of the many friendships they had formed in Otahuhu. The company then joined in singing " For They are Jolly Good fellows," followed by three hearty cheers. During the evening the following items were rendered Pianoforte duet, Mrs Fraser and Miss Emily Moffat; vocal solo, Mr W. J. Dinmson; vocal duets, Miss Marjorie M< ffit and Miss Buby Nicholson, and Mrs Armstrong and Miss Celia McArthur; Mr Lawson gave one of his sparkling little talks; and Miss Jessie McArthur contributed a humerous reading. Dancing was also indulged in, the singing of "Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem bringing the evening to a close.

I Official advice has been received | by Mrs Wills, of Otahuhu, that her youDgest son, Rifleman John Percival Wills, was killed in action on May Bth. The deceased soldier, who was only 20 years of age, was born at Otahuhu and after leaving school was employed as a draper's assistant at Newmarket for about four years. He left New Zealand «ith the 33rd Reinforcement. From a letter written to his mother the day before he was killed it would appear that this young soldier was only in France three or four weeks before he met his death. He was a footballer and represented Otahuhu in club matches. Although of a soirewhat reserved nature he was highly respected by a large number of friends. Much sympathy is expressed for his widowed mother in her bereavement. Another brother, William, who left with the 17th Reinforcements was wounded but has returned to the trenches. Members of the Otahuhu Fire Brigade are now practising three nights a week for the Fre Brigade events in connection with the forthcoming carnival at Ellerslie.