FOR THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16992, 20 October 1915, Page 8

FOR THE FRONT.

DEPARTING SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED.

Prior to his departure for Trenthara on Monday evening, Mr dames Muctee was presontod by the employees of Messrs M'DonalcJ and. Dunlop, tailors, Asliburton, with a set of military brushes, and on behalf of the employers witn a safety-razor. Mr H. Richards, who is on his final leave, was presonted recently by the congregation of St Saviour's Church, Mignbank, with a gold-mounted foumaui-pen and pocket lestament. The Rev E. C. W. Poweil, in making tho presentation, wished him God-speed anu » safe return. A farewell social was held in the Lyndhurst Hall on Friday evening in honour of Messrs H. Reid and J. Stephens, jun., who have enlisted for the front. Mr Buchan presided over a very large gathering of residents of Lyndhurst,, and presented the 6oldiers with a set of military brushes and a soldier's writing outfit and fountainpen. The employees of Messrs Suckling Bros., Limited, met last evening and presented one of their shopmates, Mr I'homas Grogan, who is leaving for Trenthaiu, with a safety razor and a wr.stiet watch. The presentation was made by Mr Wellington. The first public send-off to men in the Southbridgo district who have enlisted was how in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The public turned out iu strong force, and the gathering was of a most enthusiastic character. Mr J. C. Free presided, and the function took tho form of a dance, interspersed with musical items. Stirring addresses were given by the Revs G. L.ndsay and H. G. Hawkins. The chairman announced that a committee had been formed to arrange for -sendoffs to all men from the district answering the cail in future. On behalf of the St James's Red Cross Guild, Mrs Hawkins presented each of the ten men who had enlisted, namely, Messrs H. Inwood, Hudson, W. Carter, C. M'Jarrow, W. Herd'man, Johnston. F. Twiss, G. Riordan, E. Wise and Welsu, with a bag containing clothing and many useful articles. On behalf of the people, the chairman' presented each soldier who had not previously received a gift with a safety razor. The recipients were loudly oheered. During the evening a display of flag signalling and bridge building was given by tho local Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster H. Webb.

On Monday a very largely attended and enthusiastic gathering was held in the Church of England Schoolroom, Papanui, for the purpose of saying good-bye to Messrs S. Kruse, J. Kruse, T. Wilson, A. Mawson, S. M'llroy, S. Pepper, J. Lange and G. Crossan," who are leaving for Trentham. Mr D. Buntin, who presided, presented to each soldier a keeping bag and an electrical lighter, at the same time wishing them God-speod and a safe return. Songs were given and dancing then took place. Miss M'Donald, assisted by Mrs Ives, supplied the music. The funds for procuring tho presentations' were raised by subscriptions principally through the agency of Mesdames Blair, Bradshaw and M'Cullough.