SOLDIERS HONOURED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 43, 30 November 1940, Page 4

SOLDIERS HONOURED.

ENTERTAINED BY RETURNED MEN. About 100 returned soldiers entertained over 12 local members of the Foujrth Reinforcements at the Ashburton Soldiers’ Club last evening. The president of the Returned; Soldiers’ Association (Mr E. M. Gabites) presided. In wishing the guests tho best of luck and God-speed, Mr Gabites thanked the Ashburton Club and M.S.A. for its hospitality in making the Club open to the soldiers on leave. Mr J. Davidson spoke, giving advice to the soldiers going overseas, and Messrs W. H. Sarwey .(.president of the Ashburton Club and M.S.A.) and! H. Corbett (also representing the Club and M.S.A.) spoke. PRESENTATION AT METHVEN. "What was perhaps a record gathering of its kind took place in the Methven Town Hall on Thursday night when the clients of the firm of Dalgety and Company, Ltd., met to honour Private N. Wootton of the staff of that firm. Mr G. Callaghan nresided and those present included representatives of the firm from Christchurch' and Ashburton; and clients from all parts of the County as well as representatives from all stock firms. A long toast list was honoured! and items were contributed by Messrs R. W. Smith, L. Steffens,. G. ‘Heasley, Ncvile Owens, and others.

In proposing the toast of the guest of the evening the chairman referred to- the career of Private W'ootton, who had grown up among them as a schoolboy and later when, he was on the staff of Dalgety and Company. He had always been obliging to clients, and the large gathering testified to their appreciation of his services to them. Many other speakers endorsed the chairman’s remarks.

Mr Callaghan presented Private Woot-ton with a substantial gift- from the clients of the firm, with their best wishes.