VALEDICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 69, 21 March 1916, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

V/, PRESENTATION TO AND MRS. SOMERVILLE. A farewell social was tendered -to Captain and Mrs. at Mr. 1 McDpnal'd’s, Mataroatsr|fist evening. The house was thrown (|pen to theguests and the social was held in the woolshed, which was decorated with greenery and flags. Upwards of 100 persons were present from all parts of the district. Owing to the inclement •weather a great many settlers were' unable to attend. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. F. Stndholme, Ruanui; R W Smith, M.P.; J P Aldridge; and C L Dymoek. On behalf of the settler’s and tlx* residents of Taihape, the Rev. W P Stent presented Captain Somerville with a gold watch and chain suitably inscribed, and presented Mrs Somerville with a gold necklet. Presentations were also made to the two

children. The Rev. Mr. Stent referred to the services rendered by Captain Somerville in the firing-lino and also spoke in eulogistic terms of his qualities as a settler in the district. Captain,Somerville had given a noble exam/le of true patriotism. Captain Somerville suitably responded, and stated that he was only doing his duty to his country. The countryneeded men and all young fellows should answer the call. On behalf of himself and wife he most sincerely thanked all the kind friends present. The host, Mr. McDonald, also spoke in very- high terms of Captain Somerville, and stated that he would be greatly missed All those present would sincerely- regret the departure of both him and Mrs. Somerville.

Captain Somerville was then carried shoulder high amid the singing of ‘ 1 He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. ’ ’

Mr.’ Siddle spoke in a similar strain as did also Mr C. Forde, of Ruanui who made a special appeal to young men to volunteer and rally round the flag. ,Ho mentioned that Mr. McDonald’s son had given his life to the Em pire’s cause. He would ask those pre sent to remember this and to stand ir silence for a moment as a token of re spect for their departed friend.

Mr. McDonald briefly acknowledge! Mr Fcrde’s statement, and said thathc was very proud of the fact that hi; son had given his life for Britain . I was the duty of all youngjjLmen t< answer the call. <

Supper was handed round and a vot of thanks was passed to the host. During the evening a trio was sun* by the Misses Sinclair and Miss Mm

phy, and the Spoof Band, consisting of Messrs. S Peyton, S Powell, and I B H De Lautour, rendered items. Mrs Peyton presided at the piano and ex tras were played by Mrs Parsons..