FOR THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17099, 23 February 1916, Page 8

FOR THE FRONT.

PRESENTATIONS TO VOLUNTEERS DEPARTURE OF THE REV F. DUNNAGE. On,Monday evening the parishioners of HaUwell'held a social evening in the Halswell Hall to bid farewell to thenlate vicar, the Rev F. Dunnage, who is about to leave for the front as chaplain in the Tenth Reinforcements. Songs were given by Misses Mosley and Brandon, and Messrs Williamson, Johnston and T. W. Rowe; violin solos by Miss Badham, Mr C. Brown and Mr E. Clark; a'cornet solo by Mr P. Williamson; a pianoforte duet by Miss and Mr F. 'M'Caldon; recitations by Messrs Adnaras and Clements, and a reading bv Mr-T. W. Rowe. The accompaniments were plaved by Miss Badham and Messrs M'Caldon and J. W. \V. Baker. An eloquent addiess was delivered by the Rev H. Williams, a former vicar of the parish, in which he applauded the patriotism of the parish and tho action of its vicar in offering hunscU for active service. Mr T W. Rowe. synodsman for the parsih, presented Mr" Dunnage on behalf of-tho parishioners with a purse ot sovereigns, and on behalf of tho vestry with a Kaiapoi rug. Mrs Dunnage was tho recipient of a chased silver epergne, while Mr Dunnage's two little daughters were each presented with a daintily bound prayer-hook. In making the presentation, vAlr Rowe stated that though tho parish was grieved to lose Mr Dunnage, it was unanimous in its approval of his action The sneaker referred to the active part that Mr Dunnage had taken in the matter of religious educai'ou work in connection with Sunday schools. . , lu his reply Mr Dunnage reviewed the eight vcar's and a half during which he had been vicar at Halswell. He asked their pardon for any shortcomings they' might-have found in him, and said' that when on active service he would be greatly consoled by the thought of their sympathy and continued interest. Air Edward Patterson, on behalf ot tho Patriotic Committee, presented Mr Dunnage with a pair of field glasses and a pipe. Three hearty cheers were given tor Mr Dunnacc. ' Supper, provided by the ladies of the parish, completed the entertainment ot the evening, which, after a hearty vote of thanks to the performers, was closed with the singing of '■ Auld Lang Syne/' and furtner cheers for Mr and Mrs Dunnage.

On Monday evening the Lyttelton railway staff* met to s'iy good-bye. to Lieutenant A. Evenden, of the Tenth Reinforcements. Mr Bean, the stationmaster, in handing Lieutenant Evenden a token of eitee,m. subscribed for bv the staff, referred to the recipients long and useful service on the. staff at Lyttelton. and to tip keen interest he had always taken in military matters. Cheers were given for Lieutenant and .Mrs Evenden Trooper J. Taylor, who is leaving for the front, was entertained by a number of friends on Monday evening and was'presented with a soldiers outfit. Mr Bryan, on behalf of those presvnt, wished*the guest the best of health and a safe return. . On Wednesday evening the. residents -of Spotswood met to welcome Trooper D L Lott, who has returned from active "service, and to bid farewell to Trooper E. Barnes, who is leaving fo. the front. A pleasant time was .spent in dancing, interspersed with songs contributed by Messrs bk.nncr Hunt and Opie. and-a recitation- by Mrs Stewart. Mr C T Robinson, on behalf of the district, ••'•presented Trooper Lott with a "old watch and guard and Trooper Banies with a writing outht \ collection ' towards purchasing '•smokes" for those at the trout realised £6. , . U the. close of the service at'the Oxford Presbyterian Church on Sunday.. Private R, .1. Gilchrist was presented by the members of the church with it soldier's Bible. The Rev .)• Bain, in making the presentation, spoke of the esteem in which the. young soldier was held all over the district, the speaker made appreciative reference to the spirit Private Gilchrist had shown in answe.-iha his country s call, and wished him Godspeed and a safe re"ciunner H". G. Alley, of the Tenth Reinforcements, was-entertained at Gapes Yallev on Wednesday at a farewell social"'and dance. The function which was organised by the Gape. Valley Patriotic Committee, was held in the local hail, and was largely attended. Mr W. M- Patrick presided. During ♦he livening the guest was presented with a wristlet watch as a farewell <'ift Appreciative references to Gunner Alto-* good qualities were made bv the chairman and Messrs P. Mulvih'ill and T. Galletly. and wishes were r-xnressed that he would return safely.