MOKOIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 27 May 1915, Page 4

MOKOIA.

SEND-OFF AND PRESENTATION

On Wednesday nignt ihe people of Mokoia mustered in strong force to show their appreciation of the action of Messrs T. E. Bickford and.6. Williams, who have volunteered for active service, and will leave for Trentham camp to-morrow (Friday). Both are well-mown residents. Mr Bickford has done a great deal for the district, having been chairman of directors of the Mells Dairy Factory and an active worker for the hall and all other matters pertaining to the progress of Mo^koia and district. It was fitting, therefore, and a merited compliment to both, that the send-off was marked by keen enthusiasm and l)y a sense of pride in their action in volunteering I A short programme of musio was first gven, songs being contributed by Messrs browse, Whittaker, Torstonson, Lander Lewis and Page, a duet by Messrs* tISTv Mr d BTelL tOnSOnj and a Tecit^ Mr Prowse, who was in the chair, then called on the Rev. C. H. Grant Cowen to make the presentation. Mr Grant Cowen said he felt it a privilege to be asked to speak and to bid God speed to the two friends who were off to the front. He believed they were the first to offer from Mokoia though, he had learnt that Mrs Catchpole had three sons with the Expeditionary Force, who had joined from other centres In a stirring speech he | pictTired vividly the call of the Motherland, the justice of the cause, and the i«f d feat* st*; uggle feeing waged for country, for freedom, for right, and for honor With the utmost earnestness he exhorted all men who were able to consider the position very seriously, and to decide to serve their King and country, in conclusion, he said he had the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the people of Mokoia, in presenting to Mr iiickford a travelling rug, and to Mr \\ilhams a wristlet watch, and hoped that thess would serve to remind them when they got to the front that their mends at home, in far away New Zeaknd were thinking of them and wishfuture date there would be a similar gathering to welcome them back, with the service, medal pinned on their breasts.

rr^r ßlS fol; d- and Mr WilHams briefly replied thanking all right heartily fo? their kind thoughtfulness. and hoping that; many other young men of Mokoia would shortly be taking the same step After refreshment had been served the company dispersed, the National Anthem being suner just before the conclusion of the meeting