DEPARTING SOLDIERS

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3222, 9 January 1917, Page 4

DEPARTING SOLDIERS

On Wednesday evening last a large number of residents assembled* in the Junction Hotel, Arthurs Point, to hid farewell to Privates J. Cockburn, E. Fitzpatrick, Percy Dowuey, Mat. and Thos. Fitzpatrick, who have been spending their final leave with their parents. Mr J. Cockburn, who acted as chairman, spoke of the splendid response that had been made in the district to the Empire's call and commended the young men who were now going forth from their midst. He then" took occasion to present each of the first three men with wristlet watches and the latter two with a safety razor each. Short speeches' were* also made by Mr Geo. Cockburn, W.DDownery r Jas. and P. McMullan and S. Fletcher. During the evening songs were contributed by Mrs Elliott and Messrs T. Healey and B. Downey., A very pleasing little ceremony concluded with three cheers for the departing soldiers and the siaginj: of the National Anthem. The committee which organised tiie sendoff are greatly indebted to Mrs Me= Cliestrpy" for giving the use of her house and for providing a Ughfe SUp-:-er.

Privates Mat. and Thos. Fitzoatrick, down rwi final leave during the holidays, were, during their short stay in the G-arston district, where they worked prior to enlistment, presented with luminous wristlet watches by the residents. Theeo'.diers wee congratulated on giving their services to their country and the best wishes of all were expressed for their safety, in in the campaign.