ARARATA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 22 May 1915, Page 7

ARARATA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SYMPATHETIC SEND-OFF

A social gathering was held in the %, £ n Friday night- to bid farewell to Mr W. McKenzie, who is leaving for the front next week. A number of friends were present and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Dancing and cards were indulged in, and several patriotic items were given, Mrs A. lolley being encored for "British Avery One." A sumptuous supper was "■anded round by the ladies, after which. -*lr C. Pariitt presented Mr McKenzie ¥r£ fountain Pen and pocket book. Mr McKenzie very feelingly replied thanking those present for their kindness to him, and expressing the hope that he would see them all again when the war was over. The proceedings ended with "He's a jolly good fellow," 'Auld Lang Syne," and the National Antnem. The wish was expressed on all sides that "Billy" would help to uphold our end of the stick, and that he would go through all right and return safely to Ararata once more. I do not^ think we can show jur aporeci?tion or the sacrifice our boys are making m a better way than by giving them a public farewell; it shows them that our thoughts are with them, ,md that we look upon them with the pride that is due to all British soldiers. So far three of ,he Ararata boys have gone to do their duty, and several more are leaving in the course of a few weeks.