THE WAR

Evening Star, Issue 16033, 9 February 1916, Page 4

THE WAR

SERGE ANT-MAJOR H. G. WESTON., (Special to ths ‘Star.’] CHEISTCHURCH, February 9. News has been received of the death in action in France of Sergeant-major H. G. Weston, well known throughout New Zealand as a member of the Defence Staff. Sergeant-major Weston had an adventurous military career. Ho served in the Sudan ’Var, took part in the battles of Atbara and Onidurman, was in the Boxer trouble in China, and also served in India and West Africa. He left New Zealand a few months ago, and joined the Royal West Kent Regiment. He leaves a young widow, a Christchurch girl. PRIVATE DOVE. News has been received that another Port Chalmers boy, Private J. J. C. Dove, has made the major sacrifice for his country. Private Dove went away with the Auckland main body, and was in action at the Suez Canal raid before going to Gallipoli. He landed about 10 a.m. on April 25, and a mate,_ writing to New Zealand, stated that Private Dove was shot in the leg after gaining, the heights at tho famous landing, men the Turks charged back his _ mates carried him out of the way, laying him amongst some scrub. That was the last heard of him. He was reported wounded and missing, and now he is reported as killed by the Court of Inquiry. TO-MORROW’S SEND-OFF. In our advertisement columns will be seen a notice by the Mayor with reference to the departure of the 13th Reinforcements to-morrow. His Worship asks that the business .premises bo closed between 11 o’clock and noon in order that employees may be given an opportunity to take part in the farewell; also, that bunting bo displayed throughout tho City as a tribute to the men who have responded to the call of the Empire. The troops will leave the Kensington Drill Hall and proceed to the Railway Station via Anderson Bay road and down Stuart, street. Tho farewell ceremony will commence at about 11.20 a.m., the speakers being Cr Green (in the absence from uown of the Mayor) and Major Colvin, of the Salvation Army.. Music will be provided by the 4th Regiment Band. A special train will convey tho men northwards, leaving at 11.45 a.m. OFF TO THE FRONT. th C. Nicolson, accountant to Messrs rlijeoa Bros., Ltd., who is leaving with tne loth Reinforcements this week for Trentham, was farowellod by tho staff and heads of departments. Mr Geo. Todd, the manager, in presenting an illuminated book address, containing a photograph of staff and department heads, along with a gold luminous wristlet watch, said that they were losing the most popular man in the works. They all felt deeply the. departure of Mr Nicolson, who had been, during long association with them’ such an efficient, reliable, and consistent worker and friend. He -was one who never .found anything too much trouble, and was always willing to help and relieve others. Ho had earned, their utmost respect and esteem, and would he greatly missed from the office. Mr Todd expressed the hope that both Mr Nicolson and Mr Whyte (already at tho front) would soon ho back unimpaired in health to again take up the duties awaiting them in the office. Mr Sunderland endorsed the remarks ot the manager, and emphasised the genuine feeling of friendship and regal'd existing towards Mr Nicolson. Mr Ricolson, in responding, feelingly thanked ms colleagues for the handsome presents, which he appreciated deeply, and especially ior the kind expressions made regarding him. He did not know that he had don© anything io deserve such Idndness. it had been a pleasure to work in au olnce ‘which ran so smoothly. Ho wished the hrm and his colleagues continued suecess during his absence. Ho had felt it his duty to respond to the call of his country, and deprecated any sacrifice on lls 1 saying that the sacrifice was made hy those left behind in the home. Iho employees of Mr David Scott, Moray place, met at the lunch hour to sav goodbye to their shopmato, Mr Gordon Scott, who has answered his country’s call, and is leaving with the 13th Reinforcements, and as a small token of good-will and good wishes for his safe return presented him with a wristlet watch. The recipient, who is_ the youngest son of Mr David Scott, in a happy little speech suitably acknowledged the gift.