OHAKUNE NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 10, 13 January 1916, Page 4

OHAKUNE NOTES.

CIVIC RECEPTION TO RETURNED

SOLDIERS.

On Monday night, at the Town Hall. Ohakune a civic reception was given to Gunner Norman Hatfield and Staff-Sergeant-Major N. E. Sheppard.

The function, which took the form of a social and dance, was largely attended. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. R. W. Smith, M.P.. and the Rev. Weller.

Mrs. Wilkie sang "Your King and Country Need You,” and was heartily encored. The music was supplied by Messrs. Harrison and H. W. Littlewood.

The Mayor (Mr. ,T. A. Barker, said he was now about to speak at the 'most important function that had ever been held in the town’s history. These returned men, and those gallant fellows who were left behind, had done their share in the great Avar. We were the proud people avlio could sa,y Hero they are, right in our own town. Nor,man Hatfield rvas one of the first-grade volunteers avlio enlisted with the Main Body, and took part in that awful landing on April 25th. He had earned for his parents, his country, and our littl c district that honour Avhich in blood is Avritten on pages of our history —everlasting proof of his patriotism. Staff-Sergeant-Major N. C. Sheppard, avlio left here Avith the Second Reinforcements, shortly after In's marriage in Ohakune to Miss E. Firman, was another proud man, avlio had pushed himself fonvard early in the Avar and served his country in the worst hours of its trials. To these returned men, he (the Mayor) said, aatf due the warmest reception that the tOAvn could give them; —in token of our admiration for them. On behalf of the town, lie presented them each Avith a souvenir card.

Cheers were then given and all joined in singing, "They Ar * Jolly Good Fellows. ”

Staff-Sergeant-Major N. Sheppard said he thanked all those who had said the nice things about him and his comrades. Soldiering was his profession and he had been most of his time in Egypt, and so had not gone through the roughing that his mates had. However, he was at all times at the caD to go anywhere' and was very thankful tr those Avho had contributed to the reception given him. Bro. Amalia sang "Who Killed the Kaiser,” and was encored. Ohakune fully appreciated the very fine voice that Bro." Amalia has by the rousingapplause which greeted his two songs.

SEND-OFF TO 12TH REINFORCE MENTS.

The send-off to the Ohakune quota of the 12th Reinforcements also took place at the Town Hall. The Mayor, in saying ‘‘An Revoir” to this twelfth lot of men, said these boys were the material that had come albng to fill the gaps rendered vacant by the awful wastage of this war They had made up their minds to give their all to assist in bringing this war to an end with a victory that we all hoped would bring honourable peace-..

Souvenirs were then presented to each of the men, whose names wereW. Bishop, James. Sharpe, McAllister. Munro.

The Mayor said that lie had to apologise for the absence of Messrs. R Grant and H. England, who were going into camp, but w-ere unable to b<j prsent. He wished them all God-speed. The secretary, Mr. H. W. Littlewood, thanked all those who had assisted. He said special credit was due to those ladies who had attended and provided supper. Special mention was also made of Mr. and Mrs. A. Turner. Although there was a fair attendance, he thought that Ohakune would have packed the hall. However, those that were present had the of knowing they had done the right thing, whilst others who had neglected to eonva along had something to icQT6t. The band, which was in attendance, played the Rational Anthem am marched to the station with the men, who entrained at 10.30 p.m. The music which the band gave was quite a treat and was appreciated ver much. There was a large crowd on the platform, cheering the bows they lined up and entrained.

OPENING OF HALL. The Patriotic Hall will probably opened on the stl. of -ext montli.