SOCIAL TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 17 July 1917, Page 6

SOCIAL TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.

One of those pleasing little functions which it is always a pleasure to chronicle, took place at Ohingaiti recently, when two returned soldiers, SergtMajor De Loree and Private Flanagan were the guests of the Rifle Club at Ohingaiti. The social was organised by Messrs Gower and Morris, and the hail was

packed to its utmost capacity. Eulogistic speeches were made during the evening, and on behalf of the Rifle Club Mr.. Gower made a handsome presentation to Sergt-Major De Loree, saying they were all familiar with the good work done by that officer when he was instructor of the cadets and Territorials before he went on active service. The remarks of the speaker were received "with acclamations by all those present. Mr. Brookes said he had a very pleasant task indeed allotted to him, that of presenting a purse of sovereigns to Private Flanagan on behalf of the local cadets. The recipient, he said, was not only a good aoldier, but a. real good fellow i.. vate life. (Applause). Sergt-Major De Loree, in acknowledging the presentation and the kind remarks made about himself, said it had always been a pleasure to teach the young men of Ohingaiti, and he had always got on extreriiely well with them. He thanked the donors for their beautiful present and the kind and cordial feelings which prompted the gift. He mentioned the melancholy fact that every Territorial except one," had made the supreme sacrifice of his life in fighting for the Empire. A number of cadets whom he had trained, and several members of the Rifle Club, had also been killed.

Private Flanagan (who -had been “gassed” in Prance) in a few feeling words expressed his thanks to the “boys” for their present. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan (parents of Private Flanagan) were also present, and very proud they were of their soldier son.

It was mentioned during the evening that one lady residing in the district had three sons and one adopted son killed during the war, and had three other sons still in the firing line. Among the many fine records of fighting families brought to light since the beginning of the war, this splendid record should take a very high place. After the presentations had been made, a splendid supper was done justice to, and the evening was spent in a social and agreeable manner.