DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

Mataura Ensign, 4 July 1917, Page 5

DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

, FAREWELL AT UPPER CHARLTON. Another district soldier was accQrded a hearty farewell at a social gathering held in Mr E. Bowraar’s barn, Upper Charlton, on .Monday evening, prior to returning to Trentharn. Mr K. Rowmar, who presided, said that, as Burns had so aptly expressed it, “the best-laid plans o’ mice and men gang aft aglcy” ; and this remark applied to their guest, Private Duncan MeDougall, who, when he left his com*, fortahle home and surroundings at Oban, in the Highlands of Scotland, some lew years ago had sot himself to the study of New Zealand methods of farming with the end of eventually taking up a farm. “1 know Duncan perhaps better than most, as he was, prior to enlistment, working with me, and 1 know that he will uphold the traditions of the Highlands of Scotland and of •this country that he is now representing,” said the speaker. On. behalf of the people of the district Mr Bowmar presented Private MeDougall with a handsome silver watch as a token of their goodwill towards him. The watch was inscribed, ' “Presented to Private D. MeDougall on the eve of his departure for the war, by his surrounding friends. Charlton, 2/7/17.” The chairman apologised for the absence of Messrs Lawlor and Mcßride. The Litter (he said) had sent a message stating that he was “proud of Duncan and those who were going with him to fill the gaps.” The chairman pointed out that the message had a doubly powerful meaning in that one of Mr ■ Mcßride’s brave sons had recently fallen and made a gap for others to fill «P-

Messrs Kilpatriek, Thomson, G. Smith and Winsloe also spoke. Mrs Bowmar,, speaking for the ladies of tl}e district, said, ''We wish to toll Duncan how ranch we women appreciate those who have gone and those 1 who with him-are now going. Yon take with yon the best wishes we can give you, and a message to those already there: that wc women of New Zealand know how yon will, have, to suffer, hut we know also that strength will he given you to hear it, and when you come hack there will be hearts here waiting and longing to see you." The speaker also welcomed Private William 'Mason, one of Private MeDougall's comrades, and wished him to know that their kindest and best thoughts were with them all..

Private MeDougall on rising to respoiul was greeted with cheers. He briefly returned thanks tor the presentation made to him and for bis friends' good wishes. An enjoyable evening was spent uti-, til shortly after midnight with song and dance. Songs were rendered by Mesdames McLean and Bowmar, Miss Kubala and Miss Doris Bowmar (of Wellington),) and a humorous sketch ''was given by Mr* J. E. Winsloe. Excellent music for the dance was provided by Mrs McLean, Miss MeLeoc! and Mrs Winsloe (piano) and Messrs James Hodge and McLean (violins). Highland dances were gracefully executed bv Miss Rita Abernethy and Miss Doris Thomson. Mr Geo. Smith made an efficient M.C. The gathering concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.

A similar function was held on a recent, evening at the residence of Mr Kubala, Waimunm, when friends and neighbors gathered for the purpose of farewell ing Private George Outsell, who has been home on final leave. Mr Fi'skine Bowmar, on behalf of the friends who had assembled, presenter! Private Outsell with a silver wristlet watch and hoped that ere long the wnr would be over and our boys safely returned. A pleasant social hour was spent with music and dancing. Cheers, were given for the host and hostess and for Private Outsell. Many of thostpresent contributed items that added to the pleasure of the evening. Y.M.C.A. HUTMENT FUND. The treasurer of the Y.M.C.A. Hutment Committee acknowledges with thanks receipt of the sum of £2 "Is from .Mr Jas. Pollock, of Waipounamu, being proceeds of the sale of a dog. The. amounts received to date are as follows : Hutment Fund ...... £123.') 17 Trench Comforts 194 0 £ll3O 6 6

GORE RED CROSS SOCIETY. DONATION'S "ACKNOWLEDGED. I The secretary of the Gore Reel Cross Society (-Miss Riva Aitkon) acknowledges receipt of the following donations : Tuturau District. £G.— Mrs G. J. Anderson, ">s; Mis Thomson, old linen; Mrs llowden (Waikaka Valley), magazines. Work Returned.—Mrs Irvine, 4 underpants, -.10 dysentery pad covers, Mrs Peart, G undorflannels: Mrs France, 3 shiris; Alts Hodue, ;* suits pyjamas; Airs Milne, :} shirts: Mrs \Y. Royne, 3 shiris. Riversdale Branch: V2 bath towels, •") dozen facecloths, 1 sets pyjamas, 1 dozen military pants, 8 fomentation cloths, Ir>1 r > dayshins, pairs sox, pair cuff's, 2 balaclavas; muffler.