SOLDIERS' SOCIALS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 40, 27 November 1940, Page 6

SOLDIERS' SOCIALS

MEN FROM THE COUNTY.

FUNCTION LAST EVENING.

PRESENTATIONS BY CLUB

Fifteen soldier members of the Ashburton Club and M.S.A. were entertained at the Radiant Hall last evening, when each was presented with a money belt containing a sum of money. There was an attendance of about 350 members of the Club, presided ovei by the president (Mr W. H. Sarney), who had with him the Mayor of Ashburton (Dr. J. Connor), Colonel Findlay, and Captain E, A. Cockroft (Area Commander of the Home Guard). The soldier members were R. Todd, N. White, J. Dillon, J. Dandio, A. Bradford, L. Tait, J. Bland, S. Bennett, R. S. Chambers, N. M. Jones, N. Deuart, Golden, M. Stoddart, M. Holland and R. K. Henderson. It was stated that money belts had already been presented to three other soldier members, H. Horgan, H. Sioper and H. C. Page, who had* gone hack to camp earlier. ' The toast of the Navy, Army and Air Force .was proposed by the Mayor and was responded to by Colonel Findlay. Captain Cockroft proposed the toast of Soldiers on Active Service and response was made by Mr J. Davidson. The presentations to the soldiers were made by the president, who wished the recipients good luck. Community singing was led by Mr A. C. Wilson, who later sang a song, and others who entertained were Messrs J. Reid, J. Mulloney, H.. Thompson, K. Sparrow and G. Bloomfield, while tTie Ashburton Imperial Harmonica Band also played selections. Messrs A. R. Gordon (Dunedin) and Davis were the accompanists.

METHVEN PIPE BAND GATHERING. Members and supporters iof the Methven Pipe Band 'held a very enjoyable evening ini the Methven A. and P. Hall in honour of'Pipers George Dickson and Selwyn Stewart-, of the 4th Reinforcements. The guests of the evening were piped into the hall by Pipe-Major Petrie. The president (Mr J. MeAnulty) proposed the toast of “The Guests,” and referred to their high characters, their studious attendance at nractices and parades, their long connection with the band, and their worth and ability as pipers In handing each of them a cheque, he voiced the sincere wishes of all present for their future.

Items were given by Messrs McAnulty, A. Geddes, J. Dickson se-nr. and jun., J. T. Dickson, J. McKendry, R. Petrie, J. Lawson and M. A. Stone, and bagpipe selections by Pipers Dickson and Stewart and Bud Mackay and Vincent Gray. A number of toasts were honoured.

GATHERING AT MOUNT SOMERS.

Residents of Buccleugh and Mount Somers met in the Mount Somers Library on Tuesday evening to entertain Corporal W. J. Doonani. Music Avas played by Mrs A. B. Loclihead, the Misses Wightman and Mr W. .Xteveley. Mr G. W. Sundrey Avas Master of Ceremonies. Community singing- Avas led 1 by Mrs W. R. Munro, and musical items Avere contributed by the Misses Wiglitman and Master R. Reveley. Mr ,L. King and others Avished Corporal Doonan the best of luck and good health. Presentations Avere made by Mr King (for the district), Mrs D. W. Herron (Red dross), and Mrs G. L. Hood (Mount Somers Women’s Institute). SOCIAL AT LOWCLIFFE.

A large number of residents of the Lowcliffe district attended a social given in honour of Privates I. McKay and O. OAA r nsworth. last Aveek. Mr E, S. Barnes presented each with a money belt and a. sum of money. Parcels Avere also provided by the LoAvcliffe subcentre of the Red Cross Society and the LoAvcliffe branch of the Womeni’s Institute.

The time Avas spent in dancing and a cards 500 tournament Avas also organised. Winners of the cards competition' we,re Mrs F. Tait and Mr H. OaviisAvortli. A novelty dance Avas Avon by Mr and Mrs J. Adams. Music was supplied by tlie Coldstream Harmonica Band. Mr W. Gibbs avrs Master of Ceremonies.