OFF TO THE FRONT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16591, 14 January 1916, Page 8

OFF TO THE FRONT.

An enthusiastic send oft' was aoorded to three more members of the stuff on Tuesday evening at the plumbing works of Messrs Grcorge Dyer and Co. '^ lc ( ' u " parting men were Messrs Jack Simpson, Itobert Pettitt, and Ron. Gemmell. The presentations consisted of an auto etrop razor set (from the employees) and a silver wristlet watoli (from the firm) to each, and in handing these over the principals (Messrs Dyer and Coughlan, referred in glowing terms to the very high esteem in which their guests were held by both employers and employees, expressed their appreciation of and pride at the spirit that prompted them to serve their King and country, and assured theni that a hearty welcorno awaited them on their return. Each of the' Three Musketeers," in neat and manly speeches, feelingly responded. Messrs Dyer and Co. have now six men. on service, with the prospect of tho number being increased to eight in the near future. ' A very pleasing function took place on Wednesday afternoon, in tho workroom of Messrs W. S. Reddell and Co., Stuart street, when the staff took tho opportunity of bidding farewell to Mr E. C. Whyte, one of their number, who left yesterday to join the Twelfth Reinforcements. On behalf of tho firm and employees, Mr W. S. R-eddell handed Mr Whyte a wristlet watch, suitably inscribed, and spoke very highly of the esteem in which the recipient was held by all connected with the firm, he having served hia apprenticeship with them and earned tho good feeling of all hands. Having expressed pleasure that Mr Whyte had answered tho call for recruits, Mr Reddell wished him a safe return, and assured him of a hearty welcome back again. Mr Whyto feelingly responded, and was accorded three hearty cheers. On Wednesday evening, at the practice room of the Maori Hill Brass Band, Mr W. Reay, who has volunteered for tho front, was presented by the members of tho band with a pair of military brushes. Mr 0. Booby f sen. (president of the band), in handing tho gift to Mr "Reay, eaid that the recipient was the eleventh member of that body to enlist, a fact which lie and other members were very proud of. Ho wished Mr Reay the very best of luck, and said tlvat thf best wishes of every member of tho band went with him. Mr Reay replied brieily. On Wednesday afternoon at the City Car Sheds, a presentation took place in the form of wseful articles to threo employees, Messrs Heatley. Raper, and Ililliker, who left yesterday for Trentham, en routo for the front. Mr M'Kenzie, chief traffic clerk, in tho abasnce of Mr Alexander, made tho presentation. Ho said that tjio last six men who had gone away wero all married men, and he was proud of them. He added that it was time the single men who had not enlisted yet woke up and did so. The first two men mentioned had already been in Samoa. Messrs Broadfcsot, Bunting, and Sn,olenski, threo men who wero already away, were to have their presents forwarded on to them. Hearty cheers were given for tho bravo ones left behind—tho wives and children. Mr H. O. Rosevear, who left for Trentham yesterday, was on the evo of his departure presented by his employers and fellow clerics with small tokens of their esteem, and wished good luck and a safe return. Mr Rosevear, who has been studying fpr tho bar, is the second son of Mr E. A. Rosevear, who is well-known in this city, to offer his services for his country, his elder brother having already • given his life in his country's cause.