DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

Northern Advocate, 13 November 1917, Page 3

DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

ENTERTAIN A POPULAR MEMBER

The members of the Whangarei Platoon of the Marsden Defence Rifle Club assembled last night at Stout's Lounge for the purpose of bidding a cheerful farewell to one of their n.Qst enthusiastic members, Mr E. H. Thomas. A capital spread was provided and the large number of friends who mustered had a most enjoyable time. The chair was occupied by Mr D Patterson and during the evening he presented Mr Thomas, on behalf of his old friends, with a handsome travelling rug. He referred with regret to the fact that they were losing in Mr Thomas a good man and a comrade, who had rendered much kindness to members of the club in taking them out to the range in his car and in various other ways. Mr Thomas had joined the club as a recruit, but was now one of the best shots in the platoon- The best of good wishes

went with him

Messrs W. Jack. J. W. Gosset, H. Hutton, F. Lunn, C. Schon and others

uorsed the chairman's remarks,

Mr Thomas in his reply thanked tho members very sincerely for their good wishes and valuable gift and instanced the assistance which had been rendered to the club by various members. He expressed the hope that interest in the sport would be continued after his departure.

During the evening toasts were in terpersed with songs and recitations.

Mr Thomas left to-day for Palmerston, where he proposed to rest for a while, later going into the King Country to take up farming.