SEND-OFF AT BENNET'S SIDING

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 2 June 1917, Page 4

SEND-OFF AT BENNET'S SIDING

Th C; residents of Bennett's Siding have been always to the forefront in matters patriotic. Not only have they made comparative records in the amounts collected for the Patriotic, Red Cross and Soldiers' Comforts Funds, but they have also made a record in the number of men raised to fight the Empire's battles at the jfcont. Last evening, a send-off, the twelfth, was given to a member of the Bennett's Siding community prior to leaving for the front. The guest of the evening wa3 Private M. Swenson, the third member of his family to proceed to the fighting front! The hall was well filled with local residents and visitorsfrom Taihape and Mataroa. The proceedings commenced with dancing toexcellent music supplied gratuitously by Mrs. Hair "(piano) and Mr. G Martin (cornet). The floor was well prepared, and all arrangements were up to the excellence of the Bennett's Sidinostandard. During an interval in the proceedings Mr. J. A. Anderson, on behalf of the Bennett's Siding residents, in a neat speech mentioned the esteem in which Private Martin Swensen was held by the members of the community, also to the prominent part he had taken in matters of interest to the community. Mr. Anderson, in the course of his remarks, stated that Bennett's |Siding soldiers A\-ere evidently born under a lucky star. Although many were in the thick of the fighting from the start fortunately none had gone under. He hoped the good luck would continuewith the departing guest and with all those to follow. On behalf of the residents he asked Private Swenson to aqcept as a small token of their esteem and good will a luminous watch, and hoped that at no distant date a similar function would be held, but that the occasion would be a welcome home to the Bennett's Siding. Loud applause.) Private Swenseß. suitably responded, and /Stated that the valuable present would always remind him of his Bennett's Siding friends, although such a thing would hardly be necessary as he was not likely to forget his pleasant recollectiJnS and kind friends at the Siding. Be« sides the present from the residents Private Swenson was the recipient of numerous presentations from friends and family, including a shaving outfit gold-mounted fountain pen and prayer book. During the evening the pro ceedings were enlivened by a numbei of songs, recitations and dances, and i most enjoyable time terminated witl the singing of "God Save the King' and '' Auld Lang Syne.''