OFF TO THE FRONT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 66, 22 June 1916, Page 3

OFF TO THE FRONT.

WHANCAMOMONA FAREWELU On Monday econ'iiig ;i very pleasant uikl enjoyable smoke concert was licl'J in Mr li. K lee's meeting-room in Whangamoniona, the occasion being a send-oft' to t«.nce-Corporal AY. T. Hodge, who has sold his f arm and joined the loth Reinforcements and is nt present on his final leave.

Mr T. A. Bradley was in the chair, iiid there was a large and represonta-

iive meeting of settlers and residents from Tahora and Kohnratahi.

• The following toasts were duly honored : "The Kill"-," proposed by the j C'hnirman, responded to by Mr Geover. ''The Army and Xavy," proposed by Mr D. Brown, and responded to by Mr Attley. "Our Boys at the Front." proposed by Mr M. Geevor, and responded to by Mr Dan Wildermoth. The Chairman proposed the toast "Our Guest," and in doing so presented Mr Hodge with a very handsome gold watch and chain and a ease of pipes. The Chairman, speaking for the whole district, said that they were "ji extremely sorry to hear that Mr | Hodge had decided to leave the district. He bad always boon at the fore when any one of them was in trouble with horses or cattle, and his advice and assistance was always looked for and freely given ; and although lie was leaving them they i were proud to know that he was going to the trout to do his duty in tins terrible war, and they all wished him good luck and a sale return. Tlie Chairman coupled with the toast the name's! of Messrs (). McCutchan, J. 13. Cartie and 1). Wildermoth (old residents of this district) who all spoke in kindly and appreciative terms of the relationship that had always existed between them and the guest. They had always found Mr Hodge a real good neighbour and a t good settler. Mr Wikleniioth said he would specially like to thank the Guest lor many acts of kindness shown to him personally. Mr C. I Saunders also added his word of praise of their Guest.

Mr Hodge, on rising to respond, was loudly cheered. He replied most feelingly and thanked them all sincerely for the very nice presents, which would always be much valued by him. He specially thanked them for all their kind remarks, and said die was always well treated by his neighbours and settlers, and anything ho had done was a pleasure to him.

Mr J. Ross ably officiated at tli piano. A vote of thanks to the Chair man brought a pleasant evening to : close.