RONGOTEA NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11652, 22 August 1916, Page 4

RONGOTEA NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Another enthusiastic farewell was tendered to one of our local boys Private Lucas—of Taipo Road, Rongotea, last Thursday evening in the Coronation Hall. The proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which Mr H J. Turner, chairman of the Rongotea and District Soldiers’ Social Society, introduced the guest. During the evening cards' were played and a varied programme was gone through, the contributors being:—Painoforte solo, Miss K, Gould; recitations, Miss L. Gould; piano duet, Misses Turner and Bleakley; songs, Miss J. Hammond, encored.

Mr W’. Darragh, chairman of the Rongotea Town Board, gave a lengthy address, and expressed bis pleasure of again being present to do honour to our guest, whom he’had known for many years past, and wished him good luck and a safe return. The chairman then called on Mr H. H. Hunt, member of the Manawntu . County Council, for Rongotea, to make a present on behalf of the residents of Rongotea and district.

Mr H. H. Hunt, who spoke at length on the many young fellows who had ottered their all for their King and. Country, and wished him God speed and a safe return. He had been entrusted that evening with a very important duty to perform; tomake a present of a wristlet watch ts Private Lucas on behalf of the residents as a memento of the good wishes they held. (Loud applause and all sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”). He tiien asked Miss Lucas, sister of the soldier, to fasten it on his wrist. Private Lucas, in a few well chosen words, suitably thanked them.

A splendid supper was supplied by the ladies. The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close.