RANGIWAEA NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 19 April 1917, Page 4

RANGIWAEA NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A pleasing function took place in the Bangawaca Hall on Thursday evening, 12th hist., the occasion being a smoke concert and presentation of an illuminated wristlet watch and shaving outfit to Mr James Eeardan, who is home on final leave before proceeding to the front. The large and enthusiastic gathering which greeted the guest of the evening, showed the high esteem and respect entertained oy all settlers towards this soldier and late settler, who is the second son of Mr J. Eeardon of Taihape, who has volunteered to fight for home and freedom. After the usual loyal toast were discharged, songs and step dancing—Highland fling, sword dancing, jigs, etc. — wer e contributed by champions of these fantastic arts. Excellent music was supplied by a Ngaweka gentleman, whose presence was hlgnly appreciated. The chairman, Mr McCann, in proposing the health of our guest on behalf of the district settlers, said he had a pleasing duty to announce, namely a presentation of an illuminated wristlet watch and a shaving outfit, as small tokens of the esteem in which the recipent is held by all who know him, also the sterling qualities shown by him at all times while living amongst us from boyhood. In going forward to fight for freedom's cause, we all wish you God speed, and a safe ! and victorions return home.l "He is* avjplly good, fellow,'"" was enthusiastically .indulged in. In a few well-chosen words Mr Eeardon thanked one and all for the valued presents received. He would keep them as tokens in memory of the kind settlers whom he had lived amongst,, and promised that should the time come, he would do his duties as a soldier to the Empire. (Prolonged Applause). "Auld Lang Syne" brought a pleasant function to a close.