FOR THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17274, 15 September 1916, Page 7

FOR THE FRONT.

DEPARTING SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED.

The Cheviot Soldiers' Committee tendered a farewell social on Wednesday evening to a number of soldiers homo on leave. The night was a stormy one, but a fair number of Cheviot residents were present, some coming considerable distances. Tne Rev F. Sampson presented writing outfits to Sergeant Cottrell, Lanco * Corporals Flaherty and Jackson and Privates Tweedie and Sullivan. Sergeant Cottrell, who is a South African veteran, replied on behalf of himself and his couwades, and gave some interesting information on life in the camps. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs Davidson and Fletcher, a recitation by Miss ftita Solomon, and music by Mrs Scott, Miss Saunders, Mr Murgatroyd and Private Sullivan.

Occasion was taken during the Cheviot Soldiers' Committee social on Wednesday evening by the employees of the Uheviot County Council to present Sergeant Cottrell, who had been overseer to the council for a number of years, with a wristlet watch and tobacco pouch. Tho presentation was made by the Rev F. Sampson. The Spotswood Red Cross and Patriotic Committee tendered a farewell social to Privates Dalton, Green and MacPherson on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance. Mr T. C. Robinson delivered a brief address, and Mrs Robinson presented each soldier with a writing outfit. During the evening sougs were contributed by Misses Nelson and Iris Wilkinson and music by Misses Saunders and Nelson, Mr Murgatroyd and Private Sullivan. On Tuesday evening a farewell social was tendered by the residents of the district to Rifleman J. Schimanski, of the Seventeenth Reinforcements, who is homo on leave. Private S. Cox, who had previously received a sendoff, was present by invitation. There was a very large attendance, and Mr W. J. Walter presided. . Addresses were given by the chairman and by Messrs D. Goode and J. Voss, who all wished the <mest Goc-speed and a safe return. The music fcr tho dancing was supplied by Mr H. G. Jones. Special reference was made to the great sacrifice shown by Mr and Mrs G. Cos in allowing their two sons to go to the front in exceptional circumstances. Privates R. Wilson, G. Robinson, J. Rasmussen, J. Walker, D. Allison, F. Sellers and A. Cater, of the Eighteenth Reinforcements, were entertained by the residents of Belfast on Wednesday evening. Mr James Johns, on behalf of the residents, presented Privates Rasmussen, Robinson, Walker, Cater and Allison each with a safety razor, Private Wilson with a wristlet watch, and Private Sellers with a sleeping bag. A social evening to bid farewell to soldiers of the Waikari and Hawarden districts who are leaving for the front was held in the Jtuwaraen Hall on Wednesday evening, and despite the unfavourable weather there was a large and enthusiastic gathering. Dr Little on behalf of tiie Hawarden residents presented Privates R. Allen, J. Allison, S 3. Hoban, G. Wattie and H. M'Donald with a set of_ military brushes, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing men and wished them huccess and a safe return. The chairman of the Waipara Council (Mr It. Evans), on behalf of Waikari residents, presented Privates G. Wattie, J. Glendinuing and R. Allen with safety razors, and wished them good fortune and a safe return. Mr Evans addressed the gathering and emphasised the necessity of every eligible man applying for and obtaining a certificate of registration. He also thanked parents for the sacrifice ■■they .were making in giving their sons for a just cause in the time of the Empire's necessity. Private J. Allison suitably replied on behalf of the soldiers. A song wns contributed by Master Don M'liitosh, and dancing was kept up to an oarly hour, music being supplied by Mr Piercy. A social gathering was held in the Clandeboye Public Hall on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to Private A. Donnithorne, who is on leave. Mr T. Gunnion (chairman of the Temuka Patriotic Entertainment Committee), on behalf of the Clandeboye residents, presented Private Donnithorne with a wristlet watch and hold-all. During the evening Private Taylor, a returned soldier, was presented with a watch. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, the music being supplied by Mr A. Cooper. ' there was a large gathering at the Tinwald Hall on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to Messrs Rountree, Bishop, Naish and Thompson. Mr T. Williams presided. Mr D. Tippett presented each of the soldiers, on behalf of tho residents, with a safety razor. A concert programme was submitted, and a dance "was held.

A gathering under the auspices of the Rangiora Soldiers' Enterfcainrnent Committee was held last night at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rangiora, to bid farewell to Private T. Moorfoot, of the Eighteenth Reinforcements. Mr W. J. Rouse, chairman of the committee, S resided over a large attendance, lusical items were contributed by Mesdames Chappell and A. J. Thompson, Miss Kay and Messrs O. E. Bell, C. Keir, W. J. Rouse and L. Devlin, and recitations by Miss M. Buckley. The accompaniments were played by Mrs T. E. Bell. The Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings), on behalf of the audience, presented Private Moorfoot with a soldier's companion and n fountain pen, and in wishing him God-speed, assured him that his wife ana three, young children would be well cared for in his absence. The proceedings concluded with a dance, music being provided by Messrs A. Runnibell and G. H. Humphreys. On Wednesday evening the residents of Southbrook entertained Privates W. Loflhagen and E. Dench, two members of the Eighteenth Reinforcements. Mr B. D'Auvergne presided. Progressive euchre was played during the first portion of the evening, tho winners being Miss W. Ross and Mr T. Barber. Tho chairman, on behalf of tho soldiers' friends, preconted the guests with a soldiers' companion each, and. on behalf of the local Red Gross Committee, with underclothing and comforts. Dancing followed, the music being supplied by Misses A. Mehrtens and A. Martyu.