LOYAL ORMOND.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13697, 29 May 1915, Page 5

LOYAL ORMOND.

FAREWELL TO SIXt'T-ROOPERS

■ The patriotism of the Ormond., settlers ;Avas i demonstrated last night, when a Uarge .gatiiering assembled at .the hall to' t'ai;ewtll s.x moi'e" Qi'inoud boys, who have heen 'ncccpted ; -for 'se.r\*ice ■" at ' the -_ron|t. AbK>«it 250- wpre present. Mr G. K. Joiies presided. He thanked the residents for turning out m such large numbers,- which, -he'" said, showed the true British spirit. He trusted the Ormond people Avould remember' that night m years to come, and that the "boys,"' Avhen they got to the front, would- remember the' happy occasion of their farewell.

A musical programme was provided, steins being given by Misses M. Neenan aisd Benson, Mr and Mrs Hupps, "Messrs Jones, Newsham, -"Vlarshsill, Blandell, Howie, and Rennett. v A presentation took place at about 1) o'clock. Each of the six men, Troopers Thorpe, "Morris, Duss, Graham', Newsham, and Rich, were presented with a wristlet watch and pouch of tobacco. Miss Neenan attached, the watches to tne troopers' wrists, amidst- great applause. Mr G. E. Jones congratulated the men upon the spirit they had shown m offering their services, and hoped they would endeavor to. uphold the honor of the glorious Empire, and that' they would return safe and sound, when they would receive a warm welcome. Mr H. Loug-her spbke on similar lines. ! Mr Hobbs said a good many of thorn would like to be going to tho front, but for various treasons they were unable to do so. When conscription was introduced they would all go. -He felt sure; that although they would be forced to igo, they -would show the true British spirit and do their, duty to King and country. Mr J. Parsons said he-- had known some of tho troopers for a number f years, and had seen '.them grow up. ■ He hoped they would always give a gooi account of themselves, and felt confido.it they would not do anything to disgrace the Union Jack, or anything the people of Ormond would regret. ■

"Mr Neenan expressed the hope that the "boys" would have a good time, do their duty while' at the front, and return safely after the war was over, Mr Newmasi, one of the 'oldest settlers ii- the district, also -spoke a few words. He sa_d that only for' his' age and domestic duties he would offer his services 'also. He wished tho - men -good ' lu_k and sv speedy al^d safe return. "•'■■ The Chairman read a letter from Ms* J. McLeod, headmaster of the Ormond school, apologising for his -absence. • H-_ should like to have been present, particularly, as two of the men y received, their., early 'military training under 'hi:a, as members of the school 'cadets. It was very gratifying to see' so many young men of Ormonu' showing such a patriotic spirit, and he felt sure their example would be followed by .others. "I feel sure," added Mr McLeod, "that if these--. yohng men have the good "• fortune to be sent to the front, they will acquit themselves iv a manner worthy of the -highest traditions of ,our race. I hope, osir young friends will have 'varied ani thrilling experiences while they are away, and that we shall have the pleasure of giving them a hearty welcome home." '■''.''. The returned thanks. s for the kindness of the residents, and assured them they would -endeavor to do . their duty -at all times. ,-"" Dancing was resumed, and kept "up- till an . early - hour this morning. Excellent music, was supplied „by : Mr Watson, whilst* Messrs Manning arid acted as M.'sC. The .gathering was unanimously voted to. bo .the ) best ever -.held at -Ormond. The 'committee will have a surplus of £8 or £9, which they intend paying into the" fund for the Poverty Bay wounded soldiers. . ■ ■ *'