FOR THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17249, 17 August 1916, Page 2

FOR THE FRONT.

DEPARTING SOLDIERS ENTER-

TAINED.

Lieutenant F. R-. Busbell, who has been manager of Cooper and* Duncan, Ltd., for some years, was met by representatives of the implement trade yesterday afternoon at Warner’s Hotel, aud w'as given a very hearty send-off, w'bich was accompanied by the gift of a pair of field-glasses and a Colt automatic revolver. Mr G. T. Booth spoke in very high terms of Lieutenant Busliell’s business ability, and stated that his competitors had always found him a. clean, straightforward and highly capable business man. They had enjoyed his comradeship, and now that he was going to the front at great personal sacrifice they hoped that he would come through the sterner test of war with as clean a reputation as ho had earned in the commercial field. Air Booth’s good wishes, which accompanied the were received with applause, which w r as renewed when Mr A. E. Shields and Mr J. Keir had spoken of Lieutenant Bushell’6 good qualities. Lieutenant Bushell, in responding, said that hitherto he had been prevented from going to the front, but the road was now clear,,although he went from a strong sense of duty, and not from any glamour of soldiering. He hoped to uphold the honour of the New Zealanders who had' fought so nobly for the Empire. “ The members of the " Lyttelton Times ” Companionship met round tlio “ stone ” yesterday afternoon to say good-bye to Private T. J. Cronin.’ who is leaving for the front with the Seventeenth Reinforcements. The father of the chapel (Mr T. W. Chappell) presided, and, after referring to the many good qualities of Private Cronin, both as a workman and as a comrade, presented him on behalf of his fellowworkers with a luminous face wristlet watch. Messrs P. Dickson and T. Newton (printers respectively of tlie “ Lyttelton Times” and “Star”) also testified to Private Cronin’s sterling worth ns a worker, wishing him a safe and speedy return. _ . A social was ‘ held In tho Sefton Town Hall on Friday night to bid- farewell to Privates J. Wilson and S. Wilson, who are leaving for the front. There was a very good attendance. During tho evening Mr J. D. Wyllie presented the guests with a wristlet watch and moneybelt each and wished them a safe return. Songs were contributed by Messrs Cade, E. Aitken, J. Hibbard and J. Olemence. / Mrs J. Clemence played tho accompaniments.

Before returning to camp, after spending his final leave, Private E. Matthews was entertained at a social evening by the residents of Irwell and* was • presented with a . gold medal for himself and one for his brother, who is already at the front. The presentations wore made by Mr L. B. Coe, who acted ae chairman. £ resolution, of sympathy was passed with tho relatives of the late Corporal W. Heslop, who was recently killed in action in France. Vocal and other items were given by Mrs Coe, Mrs E. Whisker, the Rev W. B. Scott, and Messrs Nelson, Whitworth,. Smith, Brown, Buick and S. M’Laugblin. Mr Scott gavo a stirring address dealing with the war. > As a mark cf ycspect for tho late Corporal Heslop it was decided not to hold a dance after the concert. A social gathering was held in the Skipton Schoolroom on Monday to bid farewell to Troopers B. Maxwell and A. Hayward, who are leaving for the front. The chairman (Mr J l . M’Naughton, of Beautiful Valley) referred in eulogistic terms to the guests and handed each a small token from their Skipton friends. Addresses were also given by Messrs P. Mulvihill and W. Leonard. V • Under tho -management of 'tlio Cheviot Soldiers’ Committee a farewell social was given to Privates Blackley, James and Irwin in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance. Mr G. W. Forhes, M.P., after a short address, presented the soldiers with a. writing outfit each, which, ho said, was a very, appropriate gift, as it would bo the means of relieving the anxiety of those at home. The Rev J. Parlane also addressed the men. _ _