VALEDICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8273, 19 October 1915, Page 7

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATIONS TO SOLDIERS.

Prior to his departure with the Ashburton men for Trentham last evening, Mr James Mudie, an employee of Messrs McDonald and Dunlop, was met by his fellow-employees and presented with a pair of military brushes. The firm's foreman (Mr W. Tulloch) made the presentation, and congratulated Mr Moodie on his decision to join the Colours, and wished him good luck. Mr Moodie was also presented with a safety razor by his employers.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) On Tuesday last, Mr H. Richards, who is on his final leave, was presented by the congregation of St. Saviour's Church, Highbank, with a gold-mount-ed fountain-pen and pocket Testament. Tho Rev. E. C. W. Powell, in making the presentation, wished him Godspeed and a safe return. Trooper Richards suitably replied. At St. Mark's Sunday School, Rakuia, the last of the winter socials was held, and tho occasion was utilised as a 'farewell gathering to 'Messrs Rigby and G. Haslett, who are going to the front. The Rev. H. N. Wright, on behalf of-a number of friends, presented each-soldier with a wristlet watch, and wished them God-speed and a safe return.

At the Oddfellows' Hall,- Rakaia, there was a good attendance to say farewell to Messrs E. G. Smith, W. Gee, J. P. Pluck, J. Rigby, G. Haslett, and J. Horloy, who left for Trentham yesterday. A very pleasant evening was spent. Messrs Rigby and Haslett wero each presented with a pair of military hair brushes, nnd Messrs Smith,* Pluck, Gee, and Horlcy with wristlet watches.

On Saturday, Troopers Thomas, Robert, and Charles Angus, Leslie Law, and Thomas Johnston, wore farcwelled on the occasion of their leaving to join the Ninth Reinforcements. Tho brothers Angus were presented with wristlet watches and pocket wallets. Trooper Thomas Johnstone, who is at camp, but who was represented by his mother, was presented with a wristlet ■ watch; and Trooper Law with a pocket wallet, ho having been presented with a watch in Methven. Mr G. Leggett was chairman, and called upon Mr P. Quinn to mnko the presentations. The boys are all well-known in the district, and they were given a hearty send-off. Music and dancing helped to pass a very pleasant evening.

A farewell social was held in the Lyndhurst Hall on Friday evening last in honour of Messrs H. Reid and J. Stephens, jun., who have enlisted for the front. Mr Buchan presided over a very large gathering of residents of Lyndhurst, and, on behalf of all present, presented the young men each with a handsome set of military brushes and a soldier's writing outfit and fountain pen. He referred to the very grave responsibility of young men of 'military age at the present time. Messrs Ileid and Stephens suitably replied. Songs wore given during the evening by Mrs Francis, Messrs Colin Howe. J. H. McKendry, and G. Keunish. Dance music was kindly supplied by Miss M. H idem an and Messrs Reid, Lnwson. and Lilley. Mr IT. Locompt acted ns M.C. An apology was received for the absence or Mr and Mrs W. J. Dickie. Tho singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and chi-virs for the boys brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.