SOCIAL & PRESENTATION.

Lake County Press, Issue 2738, 13 June 1918, Page 5

SOCIAL & PRESENTATION.

Privates R. L. Fletohei* and T. J. Wilson FaT-GVrwllcu. A largo gathering assembled in the Atheneum Hall, Arrowtown, on Wednesday evening of last week, the occasion being a farewell social tendered by Arrow and district residents to Privates Robt. L. Fletcher and Thos. J. Wilson, of the 40th Reinforcements, who were home on final leave, Mr G. H. Romans presided, and apologised lor the absence of Private Albert Inder, Queenstown, Rev. J. Rattray, Mr and Mrs G. D. Baird, and Mr and Mrs R. M. Paterson. Mr Romans expressed the good wishes of the many friends of the guests of the evening, He said that it was with a certain amount of regret they had met that evening, as one of their guests (Private Fletcher) was the third of Mrs Fletcher’s sons to go forward to assist in the great struggle for freedom, and one of them (George) had made the supreme sacrifice. Mr Romans referred in eulogistic terms to the good qualities of the departing soldiers. Private Fletcher was known to all of them as a steady and reliable young fellow, while Private Wilson, during the time he had acted as “ whip ” of the Arrow-Queenstowu coach, bad made many friends by his courteous and obliging manner. Rev. R. G. Coats also addressed the gathering, and at the conclusion of his appropriate remarks, wished the’ two young men God speed and a safe return. The chairman then presented Privates Fletcher and Wilson each with a set of military brushes, and, after “ For they are jolly good fellows ” had been heartily sung by the audience, both suitably returned thanks. Dancing was then indulged in, and kept going until about 1.30, when a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close, with the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld lang syne.” Music for the dance was kindly supplied by Miss G. Preston, assisted by other young ladies, and Mr J. Forbes acted as M.C. Mias E. McKibbin sang “ Marguerite,” for which she was encored, and responded with “ Genevive.” The ladies provided refreshments.