HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11697, 17 October 1916, Page 7

HALCOMBE.

—— - From Our Own Correspondent. It was with deep]regret I learnt of the sudden and untimely ffieath of the late Mr J. Johnson. I remember deceased nearly forty years ago as a businessman in Sanson. In those days and subsequently regarded him as a strong man holding strong views of things which be always had the courage to declare and support with an energy and directness that won my appreciation. True to his colours and convictions the deceased never deserted or withheld his support from a friend, and I well and gratefully remember tiis whole-hearted offer of help to me if 1 would consent to contest an election. It’s real, hard luck that for the third time 12/10613 E. W. Cowdrey should be wounded, and a brother of his killed when with the first of ■our brave boys he faced the foe. While sympathising with the wounded boy and his anxious parents I sincerely hope his wounds will not prove serious. Mr Otto Wishnowski tells me that he has not yet received a reply to his cable seeking particulars of the nature and extent of the wounds inflicted upon his gallant “son, Herbert, while fighting at the West front. Herbert as been going ‘ ‘eyes out” for the Huns and part in nerve-shattering raids upon the enemy. May he return to us unimpaired. Who would not take on the risk if he were able? Who would like to own boys who feared to face the enemy and were content to loofc on while other boys fight battles? Their Maker may forgive them, but 1 cannot. J}’, jn, Shirwell, who belonged to the 17th Rnahines, and who was close Beside the late Jack Seigel when the latter was killed at Gallipoli, is with us “on final leave.” Copper top, as his cobbers ) call him, was hospitalled in Egypt and invalided home. Being again fit this boy became impatient to be “on the job and see it finished. ” Good enough—Ginger for pluck. 2 From 29901 Private P. Braik, F Company 20th Reinforcements, who threw up his job as school teacher, and went into camp to be taught how to teach our brutal enemies a lesson they will never foregt, sends me with a covering letter a capital collection of camp views which an excellent idea of how and where six thousand m these military training schools are hammered into shape, toughened and housed. It appears that the only fault chargeable against our boys at the front is that when hunting the Huns “they do more than is required of them.” Jt is a fault that 1 can well understand and forgive, though it certainly means unnecessary sacrifice of valuable lives. The remedy is obvious. Judiciously brake. At the third annual meeting of the Halcombe Brass Band, the treasurer’s balance-sheet showed a credit of £2 14s B)Jd. There were no liabilities and the assets consist of > instruments, music, uniforms, etc. The bandmaster and assistant secretary, Mr T. Jordan, presented an able and exhaustivegreport upon the band’s work during the past year. When dealing with the attendance, the announcement that Mr Urbhan had attended all the band meetings elicited rounds of applause. Conductor A. O. Smith, who was unavoidably absent, was highly complimented upon his untiring efforts to improve the playing and to piomote the interests of the band. Press of private business compelled the treasurer, Mr P. Eicnler, and the secretary, Mr L. A. MacDonald, to resign their positions, and they were cordially thanked for their past valuable services and their resignations accepted with regret. Bandmaster T. Jordan was elected to fill the vacated positions, and together with Conductor A. O. Smith was empowered to sign cheques. All the other officers were re-elected. Speaking on behalf of tne public, the chairman warmly complimented the band upon its condition and progress, and thanked its members for the great pleasure their music had afforded the people of Halcombe and district. On Friday last the usual weekly card tournaments' were continued I and enjoyed by forty-odd contest- ; ants, the victors being Miss B. Smith, who, for the second time, won the ladies’ first, while Mrs Osborne won the ladies’ last. Mr 0. Natzke “cut” and collared the gentleman’s trophy, and Mr Thomas secured the beautiful booby. Mrs Peffers, Mrs Osborne and Miss Dudding kindly supplied the music for the dances which followed. Another pleasant evening is arranged for next Friday.