FOR THE FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1916, Page 6

FOR THE FRONT.

AN OAKTJRA SERGEANT FAREWELLED.

Dcsmle the very increment woathe* prevailing on Tuesday night, tliore was a good attendance of settkrs of the Oakura and surrounding districts at n social held in the Oak'nra hull to b'd to Sergeant F. Mace, of (he •20th Reinforcements, who is now lioir.e on final leave. Sergeant Mace is a grandson of Captain Mace, the oldest settler in Oakum and one of Taranaki's most esteemed pioneers. Serjeant Mace, who is the only son of Mr. Chas, Mace! like his father was horn in the district! and so Oakura feels that it has a special interest in him. Dancing formed the principal amusement, Mr. \V. Snrenson acting as M.C., and excellent music beins supplied by Mi-s and Mr Pearson. Variety was lent to the evening hy the musical items rendered by visitors from New Plymouth. Mr Bert. Yinsen delighted the audience with his musical' impersonations and Mr. Cadd pave two banjo selections. Both performers had to respond to undeniable encc/es, as dirt Mr. fi. A. Adland for an excellent rendition of "Another New Bonne;, for Mother." Supper was dispensed by the ladies in their usual hospitable'style. Afterwards, Mr. (',. A. Adland said 'the functions at Oakura always appeared to. be attended by wet weather. The New Zealanders at the front had already done wonders and all felt justly proud of them. Sergeant Mace, he felt' sure, would worthily uphold that reputation. He also referred scathingly to the position taken up by shirking families, some of whom with five or six sons had not dispßtehed any to the front, .whilst other families were sending their only sons to fight for the Empire. He wished the guest success, and a safe return, when he could assure him that he would be given a real good welcome. Captain Mace said that he was pleased to think Jic was the grandfather of their guest. In fact, if he was • younger man he would go nimself. He would feel it one' of the proudest things ho could do to assist not only England but the world in doing away with barbarism. Sergeant Mace was going- to meet his comrades who had had a career second to none. We had lost men but that was only to be expected. The men them selves did not feel the strain nearly much as did those loved ones left ..i home wiho were always looking in the casualty lists with dread. The men who left, lie considered, entered tlnfra y in the same spirit as they did a football scrum, determined to win and not earing what knocks they received in the -xritemeii!. He could not say anything too' bad of the Germans. They were a disgrace to civilisation and. young feUows'bf New Zealand should be proud of the opportunity of volunteering. By and by volunteers would he required to march into Berlin. (Applause). He wished Sergeant Mace God speed and a safe return and called on Miss Vera Morris, who, amidst the singing of "He',i a Jolly Good Fellow," fastened a wristlet watch on Sergeant Mace, as a token of esteem from the residents.

Sergeant Mace, in a brief speech, stated that he would endeavor to do his duty, and do his best to put a few Germanj out of sight.