DEPARTING TROOPERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1915, Page 3

DEPARTING TROOPERS.

FAREWELLED AT HILLSBOROUGH. On Friday evening a farewell social was given by Hillsborough settlers to Messrs Nelson Hill, W. Bishop, and S. Parker, three young men of the district who have volunteered and will shortly be leaving for the front. The function was one of the most successful ever held in the district, the hall being crowded. Mr. 11. C. Sampson, who presided, opened proceedings with a short, appropriate speech. An excellent programme, to which a number of New Plymouth performers contributed, was given as follows:—Song, "Till the Boys Come Hame," Miss Ivy Scott (encore. "It's the Navy"); . duet, "Who Smashed Bill Kaiser," Messrs Smith and Key (encore, a skit written by Mr. L. Smith, "Oh, William, dear William, come Home"); song, "Oh, You're the One," Mr. \V. Keys (encore, ".Facts"); song, "S'nico S'minee S'pie," Mr. L. Smith (encore, "Marry "Ann She's After Me'"); song, "Your King and Country Need You," Miss Leach (encore, "Perfect Day"). Recitations were also given by Mr. G. Goldsworthy. The accompaniment* were played by Mrs. Skelton. During an interval Mr. G. Goldsworthy, in presenting each of the 'departing troopers with a wristlet watch, referred to tho sacrifice farmers were making in giving their boys to the. Empire. Owing to scarcity of labor many farms were being worked at a loss. They were not going to take part in a capitalists' war, hut to assist the boys who "were already at the front in protecting the women and children of New Zealand and of the Empire from the horrible atrocities and cruelties which had been perpetrated in Belgium. In conclusion, he gave the boys this message: Live a clean life, figl/t hard and fair, with one single thought—victory. The people of Hillsborough would follow tlieir movements at the front knowing that they would acquit themselves as worthy of the district and would give them a heartj welcome on their return. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies, after which dancing was indulged in.» Mr. A. E. R. Pearson provided the music, and Messrs L. Bishop and 11. Barriball acted as M.C.'s. Before the gathering dispersed, "Auld Lang Syne" was sung, the guests standing in the centre of the ring.