OFF TO THE FRONT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 39, 13 September 1916, Page 7

OFF TO THE FRONT.

MiDHIRST DOES ITS BIT. j Wii: ii fridhirst enters for the public it (iocs -ii with much success. Last i>.i"'iL the leathering had :i two-fold object, namelv the catering for the public and an expression of loyalty and 'farewell to three Midhirst boys who have given their services to their I country, and are proceeding to the (front. Under the able direction of 'the Soldiers' Farewell and Reception Committee (.with Mr .). \V. Mad as hon. :eeretar\\>, an excellent concert iwas arranged, and, judging by the ilarge number present, it proved a igreat success. Mr \V. Mountford !pleasantly carried out the duties of chairman, and the following programme \va s presented to an appreciative audience : The overture by Miss Kuby Anderson was well rendered. This was followed by a song, "Hoys of the Dardanelles," nicely sung by Mrs I Bennett. Mr A. 'Vainer delighted the audience with a recitation "On Active Service." and Miss Sheahan, who is always a favourite, effectively sang "My Little (hey Home in the West," and had to respond to an encore. As a change, Mr 0. Bradley amused all by a musical sketch, singing to Ins own accompaniment, "And His Day's Work was Done," to which lie had to respond to an imperative recall. Mrs Dridgman effectively recited "Captain Xorris," followed by "Father O'Flynn" creditably sung by Mr B. Peters, and which called for an encore. Mrs Tapp sang with feeling, "I'll Make You Want Me," and gained an encore. "The D«ar Home Song" was well sung by Mr J. H. Lester. Mr A. Warner followed, and gave a well executed recitation "Fight for,, the Armoured Train." "Colleen Bawn" was sung by Mr (i. Bradley in his usual good style, while "I'm Tired," as an encore, highly amused everyone, In "Sons of New Zealand," Mr B. J. Peters' fine voice was heard to advantage, Mrs Bennett following with a song "The Red Cross .Nurse," Mr J. !H. Lester effectively gave the coneluding item on the programme, "Three for .lack." Mr Mountford. in a fttting speech, then presented Privates Ustalla, Signal, and Read with a suitable gift, "not," said the chairman, "for its intrinsic value, but because we are proud of you" : this expression brought forth great applause. The singing of "They are Jolly Good Fellows" was home indication of the appreciation of those who "have done their bit," as the chairman remarked, for the Empire: Private Ustalla replied on behalf of his two comrades, stating that "they would do their part as many hoys ivho had gone before them.'' A presentation was also made to Privates Ustalla and Signal by Mr .Mountford, who spoke on behalf of Mr Kheman, manager of the Midhirst Factory, from the employees" at the factory,' as a mark of the esteem in which they were liotli held by their factory associates. Three cheers were then called for, the whole audience loudly responding. The hearty singing of the National Anthem concluded the concert, when supper, kindly provided and served by the ladies, was partaken of. Following this, many remained to the dance, Messrs J. M. Shotter and F. Carter acting asM.'sC. The strains of the excellent music provided, a good company occupied the floor until morning. Midhirst is to be congratulated on farewelling their khaki boys with such excellent spirit. .