PRIVATE W. MCLACHLAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 7

PRIVATE W. MCLACHLAN

ENTERTAINED AT SOCIAL. EIG GATHERING AT RANGITUMAU. I The Rangitumau Hall was packed to the doors on Saturday evening when the largest and most enjoyable social gathering yet held in the district took place. Settlers from the surrounding districts were present, while Masterton was particularly well represented. A district farewell to Private Wray McLachlan, son of Mr and Mrs Norman McLachlan, "Pine Grove,” Ran- ' giturnau, the gathering was an outstanding example of whole-hearted ; community effort. Mr Jack West provided (voluntarily) 1 splendid music for the dancing. Extras ' were played by Pte. Eric Wilson (piano) and Pte. Cyril Wilson (Auckland) piano-accordion. A most enjoyable item was a Highland Fling danced by Peggy Wyeth, accompanied by .Malcolm Stuart on the bagpipes. Mr Laurie Wilton as M.C.. kept the proceedings going with a swing. A feature of the gathering was the supper served by the ladies of the district. Speaking on behalf of the Rangitu- < mau settlers Mr Donald Stuart referred j in glowing terms to the popularity of . the guest of the evening and congratu- j lated him on being the first local sol- ; aier to leave with the First Echelon f of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas. He wished him "God ( speed" and a safe return. He asked j Private McLachlan to accept as a token j of esteem, a handsome well-filled wallet, and a wristlet watch from the settlers of the district. Mr W. F. McLaren, on behalf of the Masterton Young Farmers’ Club, endorsed Mr Stuart’s remarks and stated that Private McLachlan had been the . first chairman of the Y.F.C. On behalf of the club he wished him "bon Voyage” and a safe return. Private Wray McLachlan suitably replied, and expressed his sincere thanks to the residents of the district for their kindly action. Three hearty cheers were given for the members of the Forces present, C namely Corporal M. McLeod, Privates D. Roys (Auckland), A. Sanson, C. Wil- £ son, E. Wilson (Auckland), J. A. Barnes and Air Mechanic E. Stevenson, of the New Zealand Royal Air v Force. v Private Roys returned thanks for the o courteous gesture. Dancing was resumed, and the sing- i ing of Auld Lang Sync and the Na- v tional Anthem brought to a close a s social milestone in the district’s his- f lory. i: