ASHLEY SOLDIERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17860, 5 August 1918, Page 9

ASHLEY SOLDIERS.

ROLL OF HONOUR UNVEILED. There was a large gathering of tho Ashley Bank residents at the schoolroom on Friday evening on the occasion of the unveiling of the district roll of honour. Mr C. Downing, chairman of the Ashley Patriotic Committee, presided, and' amongst, those present were Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., and the Hon D. Buddo, M.P. The proceedings included a musical programme given by Mesdames Chappell, Trollope. and Strachan, Misses Bowbyes, Dalziel and Howes, the Rev W. H. Howes, Messrs J. E. Strachan. J. Noble and W. Tindall. A recitation was also given by Miss Buckley. The unveiling ceremony was performed by Mr Forbes. In the course of his address he said that it was a source of gratification that so many of the young men of North Canterbury had responded to the call to arms, the district being practically depleted of all eligible for service. 'He emphasised the point that the war was not one of armies but a war of the people, and the side that showed the most resolute determination and national stamina in the struggle would be the winners. He urged all to keep this fact steadily in mind and to continue to give willingly and cheerfully home service and money without stint in support of tho Empire's soldiers who were so bravely and so nobly sacrificing themselves in their country's cause. He hoped that the roll of honour would be an inspiration to even greater effort than in the past to make the lot of the men at the front as happy as possible. We in New Zealand we're in a position to stick it to the finish. When the Government asked for financial assistance by way of loans it was the bounden duty of all able to help to do so to the utmost of their moans.

Mr Forbes havlinjnj withdrawn the Union Jack which veiled the honours board the audience rose and stood for some moments in silence out of respect for those who had laid down their lives for the Allies' cause. Short addresses of an appropriate character were also given by the Rev H. E. East and tho Hon D. Buddo. The honours board, which is of polished oak and of handsome design, has the following names inscribed on it:—Private A. Booker, Servant J. A. Loffhagen, M.M., Privates H. Gorrie, P. J. A. Fraser, D. J. Llewellin, W. J. Davis. Bugler V. E. Jennings. Privates W. R. E. Booker, W. R. M. Croft, J. Baker, W. Stewart, F. W Moore, H. Peach, F. W. Pilcher, R. Miller. W. A. Rowe, E. O. Bailey, and A. Lnffhagen. Three of the men, namely, Sergeant Loft'hagen and Privates J. Baker and W. Stewart, have paid tho supreme sacrifice.