FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Lake County Press, Issue 2737, 6 June 1918, Page 4

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

On Friday evening last a farewell social was tendered by Arrowtown and district residents to Private James Reid and Mr Oswald Edie. Private Keid is leaving for tbe front with the 39th Reinforcements, and Mr Edie is leaving shortly for England to join the Army Flying Corp3. Both young men are very popular, and this was shown by the large number from all parts of the district who, despite the inclement weather, assembled in the Atheneum Hall to bid them farewell. Mr G. D. Baird presided, and apologised for the absence of Mr G. H. Romans, who usually took the chair on such occasions. Mr Romans had informed him that he would have liked very much to have been with them to add his testimony to the sterling worth of the two young men they were farewelling that evening. Mr Baird said Oswald Edie was the first from the district to enter the flying service, and the (act that he had gained his ticket in the short peiiod of two and a-half weeks' training in Christchur'ch showed that he was possessed of both nerve and ability. Mr Baird then called on Rev. Mr Rattray, who delivered a most stirring patriotic address. He said he was pleased to be present to assist in the farewelling of tbe two young men, who were going to represent them in two very important units of the service —one who was going to ba a " man behind the gun " and the other who directed from above. Mr Rattray concluded an interesting address, for which he was warmly applauded, by wishing both young men Gcd speed and a safe return. Mr Baird then presented Mr Edie and Private Reid each with a set of military brushes. Mr Baird said that a similar present would be forwarded to Private Charles Martin, an old Arrow boy, who had not been able t'j remain for the social. " For they are jolly good fellows " was then sung, after which Mr Edie and Private Reii suitably responded. Supper, provided by ; .he ladies, was then banded round. Dancing was afterwards indulged iu, and kept going with spirit until about 1 00, when a most enjoyable social was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem and " Auld lang syne." Music for the dance was kindly supplied by several ladies, and Mr J.

Forbes was M.C. During the evening Mr D. R. Barron contributed the song " There's a Ship that's Bound for Blighty," which was much appreciated.