MR. WILL J. FRENCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 66, 19 March 1925, Page 11

MR. WILL J. FRENCH.

A NOTABLE KEUXEOX. A very happy party assembled in the social room at the YJI.C.A. last evening to -welcome llr. and -Mrs. Will J. French. The function wa9 arranged by llr. French's old associates at the "Auckland Star," he having served his apprenticeship there in the early days- Some 3-t years ago Mr. French left for San Francisco, -where he has been during that longperiod associated with, the printing trade and with wider interests in. connection with industrial -welfare. Mr. H. W. Brookes presided, and an enjoyable programme ot speeches and music was gone through. Among the speakers were Messrs. C. H. Poole, es-M.P., Mr. EL Holdsworth. chairman of the Auckland Power Board. Mr. T. Clarkson, and Mr. •T. Stewart, who all spoke of the hospitality extended to New Zealanders by Mr. and Mrs. Will J. French during their long: residence on the Pacific slope. Mr. B- J. Strong spoke for the "Star" employees. Excellent music was provided by the Xew Zealand Vocal Quartet. Messrs. Gasqnoine, Adeane, Asburv and Black. An Interesting feature of Mr. French's speech, in reply was his reference to the tiepm wluch he was wearing, and has worn daily since it was presented to him on his departure from the "Auckland Star" in 1832. Hearty cheers for the gnests and the singing of "Auld Lan°terminated a really eniovable Jjathermg-.