STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent-) [All communications, letters, etc, left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] Stratford, June 1. TOKO'S FAREWELL. There was a crowded liall at Toko last [ evening, when a farewell social was tenI dered Captains J- B. Hine and Murray Urquhart Mr. W. H Were, chairman of the Toko Patriotic Committee, said they had met that evening to farewell Captains Hine and Urquhart- They were men who had already been to the front And done their duty. Back for a holiday; they were about to return to take up their work. He mentioned that Captain Urquihart went away with the Alain Body. All knew Murray Urquhart, who oame to Toko about 1903, and a lot of young men of to-day thank him for the interest he took in their welfare whilst he was working in the old cheese factory there. He was ever a spoTt, be it football or cricket. Mr. Were said he did not desire to make a speech, but called on Chaplain C. W. Howard to address the audience.

Chaplain Howard, touching on tie war. said thing? were beginning to bring them to a better understanding. We were appreciating things at their full value. All were realising that it was no ordinary war, that God had ruled the happenings in order that the world would eventually be all the better for the present period of tribulation. They were fighting for the freedom of the people. Many were making the great, if not the greatest, sacrifice in fighting for the good of humanity. It was a particular honor to Stratford and district that they had Captains Hine and Urquhart to fight for them. They were now at a Wonderful crisis. Nobody knows or can tell the anxiety the military authorities had to contend with; we must b? patient. He extended to the soldiers leaving the best wishes of the community, and admiration to those dear to them whom they were leaving behindMr. Marfell, who has lost two sons at, the front, and has two more out there, also added a few words of appreciation of £he work of the soldiers they were fareweQing ttat evening. He congratulated Captain Urquhart on his recent marriage, and trusted there would be many happy years in store for him and bis bride.

Mr. Were then presented Oaptain Hine with a silver tea tray (inscribed), and hoped that when his "little game" at the front was completed he would be spared for many long days, with the tray in use. He then presented Captain Urquhart with a set of fish knives, also adding a few words of congratulation on his recent marriage. Cheers were given for both men.

Captain Urquh&rt, in reply, said that flay words lie could use would tie quite inadequate to express his feelings, both in regard to the kind things which had been said and for the very handsome presentation. He thought sometimes that too nruch was made of those who were fortunate enough to receive distinctions In this war, as ttiere were so many who earned decorations Trait did not receive anything. Pessimism with regard to the war was not justified. The men at the front were all optimists. He was sure that if the people had more faith and confidence in the outlook, the men at the frcvt would lie much happier. There fcere many bright times at the front, I and life there was by no means the dreadful existence pictured by some people. When the liard times came the men were always cheerful, self-sacrific-ing, and full of confidence. (Personally, be felt t&at, although leaving his real home, there was another awaiting him frith the battalion in France, where he would be welcomed- (He was proud to | belong to a district which was so intensely partioti: and bad helped so splendidly in every way throughout the war. rhe cordial reception that might would ever be a pleasant memory, and the kind wishes expressed would be an additional incentive to him in the future. Oaptaan Hine, after thanking the speakers for their kind remarks, and the Toko people for their handsome gifts, said that farewells were rather sad things. Going away to the front waa not only an essential duty, but an honor. They had the prestige of the Empire to keep up their prestige. In of the people that was going to win the war, and that; he believed, would be euJoampKahed before many more months, tt wsa necessary in every part of the Empire to kep up their prestige. In Mesopotamia and Palestine the Indian Army was giviing very valuable assistance. Instead of being ahead of public opinion, the Government were sheltering behind it, and it was up to the people to insist upon the Government doing its duty. There was no halfway-house in this war—they must either win or lose. Britain had always fought for freedom, and they must continue the present struggle until Germany was brought to an understanding of what was expected of a Ohristian race. He candidly admitted he waa not anxious to go back again, but he was in the bands of the pnHtary authorities, and he was prepared to do his duty. He wished all au revoir, and trusted that when he re-

turned many of Ms friends present that evening would bo able to share with him friendly refreshments from the tray presented that evening. The speeches of Iboth men were punctuated with applaose, and they were given rousing cheers. Songs, recitations, etc., were contributed by Mcsdamcs MTaren and Massey, Miss Sangster, and Mr. J. Andrews. The items were much appreciated and afforded a pleasing interlude to the erven - jig's programme. Mies Bredon and Mrs. Bianchi proved most efficient accompanists- The floor was in splendid condi'tion for dancing, wWlst the playing by Mrg. rtiunchi (piano) and Mr. S- Parker

(cornet) was all that could be desiredHie (Messrs Gernhoefer and Kilptttririk) were most efficient. To these two and tfco geniail chairman (Mr. W. H. tJifl success of the entertainment ts itefi, and ne can quite understand bow erftjovftfUb Toko nights have become to f,w —thoroughness in every Jdewil [ GENERAL Lowgarih Tlactory hall was well filled at the dance held there to farewell Private Prank Angus. Mr. Richards made the presentation—wristlet watch and pocket-knife—during wihicli he made eulogistic references to Private Angus' nnalltiw as a man, and trusted that he would have a safe journey home and (tack asrain- Messrs Killbride and Tuke were M.'sC., whilst Mr. C H Fox, at the piano, jjave dancers all the latest melodic* in that claw of music The send-

off committee intend making these dances and euchre parties a weekly function, and they ghould prove a pleasant change during the long winter evenings. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. M'Millan) left for Auckland last evening, and expects to ibe away about a week or so. He intends visiting the Hamilton Show and the Waikato province. During liis absence, Cr. J. Masters (Deputy-Mayor) will attend to municipal affairs. The long winter evenings are to hand So those who find time tedious will be pleased to learn that Mr. 0. E- James has just opened up some ,fine winter pastimes—games that will instruct the child and interest the parent. Those who enjoy a good book can obtain great variety here, whilst if in search of a nohday, wedding, or christening gift, you will certainly find same amongst the many thousands of articles on sale at C. E. James's warehouse. —Advt.