Farewell to Pvt. Percy Johnson

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 17 November 1916, Page 2

Farewell to Pvt. Percy Johnson

On Wednesday, November Bth, a farewell and presentation was awarded to Pvt. Percy Johnson, of the 20tli Reinforcement, who is on final le~ve. A large party of friends gathered at the house of Mr George Horwood to do honour to the occasion, and after full justice had been done to the good things provided, a musical programme was carried out, consisting of songs, instrumenal duets, and vocal duets, etc. The presentation which took the form of an illuminated wristlet watch, was made by Mr T. Nicol, who in a few well chosen and appropriate remarks, asked the recipient to accept the gift as a sincere token of esteem and regard, and as a momento of their kindly feelings towards him, wish'ng him God speed, and a safe return to New Zealand after serving his country and Empire in a foreign land. A further farewell reception was awarded to Pvt. Johnson on the following Thursday evening, when a generous banquet was provided by Messrs T. Nicol and H. Johnson, and a most enthusiastic gathering wished him God speed and a safe return to Huntly. Pvt. Percy Johnson, who was born in Huntly, is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Johnson wellknown residents of Huntly, and is a cousin of Claude Avery recently reported missing. He left tor Featherston camp by special train which called at Huntly at 1.30, on Sunday morning.