MOKOIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 21 October 1918, Page 7

MOKOIA.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.)

FAREWELL SOCIAL. Messrs Torstonson and L. Catchpole, bn leave from camp, were tendered a farewell social in the hall on Friday night, a short musical programme being succeeded by a presentation ceremony and dancing. The following contributed songs: Messrs Lamb, Thompson, Prowse, Hunt and Wagstaff, the accompaniments being played by Mrs Thompson and Wagstaff. The concert over, the Rev. <3. H- Grant Cowen thanked those who had contributed items, especially those who had made the journey from Hawera. ~ He then referred to the object of the gathering. He said that although we now knew that the end was near, we little dreamed four years ago that we would still be meeting together to farewell men proceeding to camp. The Empire was fully determined to see the ghastly business through to the end, and he felt sure that the men themselves, if their opinion were taken by a ballot, would refuse to stop fighting until the work were finished. Over thirty meu had gone from the>Mokoia district, worthily upholding the honor and dignity of their country. We should be proud, not only of these men, but of the mothers, wives, boys and fathers who were bravely carrying on in their absence, and we should remember in the hour of victory that a share of the glory would be due to the women. Mr Grant Cowen then referred to the devastation wrought by the foe, and expressed the hope that there would Be no faltering in the discussion of peace terms. "Those who have lived by the sword, must perish by the sword." We must never forget the cost of victory and the debt we owe to the fallen. The speaker then presented an illuminated wristlet watch to Private Torstonson and a safety razor and set to Mr A. B. Catchpole for his son (unavoidably absent), and referred to the fact that this was the fourth member of the Catchpole family to take up military duties. One brother had been given his commission on the field and had won the Military Cross, and the two others had fallen. In replying, Mr Catchpole apologised for the absence of his son, who was at Pukeho, and prevented by the weather rfpm being present. He regretted the necessity for 'his son's going to camp, but felt sure he would give as good an account of himself ,i s his brothers had. He then conveyed the thanks of his son for the presentation. Mr Torstonson, after thanking his friends on behalf of his wife,, family and himself, said that he was proud to fight for his country, which he considered to be well worth fighting for. The camp life, while strenuous, was a good one for those fitted to stand it, and he was enjoying the life immensely. Supper was then handed around, and the. rest of the evening given over to dancing.

SCHOOL EXAMINATION. Mr A. J. Morton examined the school on Thursday, his colleague, Mr Ballantyne, examining at Ohangai on the same day.