NORMANBY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 4 January 1918, Page 8

NORMANBY

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SOLDIERS' FAKEWELL

There was a large gathering at the hall last evening, when a farewell euchre party and dance was tendered to Privates Alex. (Puki) Crocker, A. Fieldes, and M. McKane, who are on final leave, and a couple of hours was pleasantly spent at cards, the winners being Miss Wasley and Master Hickey, each winning nine out of eleven, games. ' They were handed a money prize with which to purchase a small memento of the .occasion. . After supper had been partaken of Mr C. Paine spoke briefly on the reason for. the gathering, and also drew attention to the fact that there was amongst the audience a returned man who before he answered duty's call had lived amongst them. Private Morris, who had been wounded and had just returned to the Dominion would, the speaker was sure, receive a hearty welcome, and he would ask the audience to give the returned soldier three hearty cheers. This they did most enthusiasticaliy. Mr T. J. Free, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, said it was a pleasure to him to be able to congratulate the three guests on their patriotism, and he trusted that before long he would have the pleasure of welcoming them safely home. On behalf of the residents of Normanby and district he would ask each, to accept a wristlet watch as a small token of the. esteem in which they were held in their town. As the recipients stood forward their watches were buckled on by Misses Laurent, Andrews and Walshe, whilst little Pattie Paine. mounted on the table, gave each boy a hearty hug and kiss. "For they are jolly good fellows" followed, and three hearty cheers were given for our soldier sor.s. Private Arnold Fieldes br___/ responded on behalf of himself and comrades. The floor- was then cleared for dancing, and to music, supplied free by Mr Joseph Archbold, one and all spent a hajsoy time. Extras were kindly played by Mrs G. Brisco p.nd Private Arnold Fieldes.