"OUR SOLDIER BOYS."

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11855, 11 June 1919, Page 5

"OUR SOLDIER BOYS."

RIFLEMAN L. N. NORTHOYEB HONOURED. The Marton Cosmopolitan Club’s billiard hall was crowded last evening to honour Rifleman L. N. Northover, by presenting him with a purs3 of sovereigns and a silver tea service. Mr‘E. Newman, M.P., presided, and read an apology from Mr B. P. Lethbridge. ‘‘The King” was drunk with musical honours, and Rev. V. H. Kitcat gave an excellent account of the work of the lads in proposing the toast of ‘‘Our Soldier Boys. ” After dealing in a very able manner with the noble work of our soldiers at the front, ho concluded by stating that lie felt he was highly honoured in being called upon to perform the marriage ceremony of tlio guest of the evening on the following day. Mr A. Blair responded, the toast being drunk with musical honours and the singing of,,'“Rule Britannia. ’ ’

Mr E. Newman, in proposing the toast of ‘‘Our Guest,” said that they had assembled there that evening" to do honour to a gallant soldier, who had done his duty and been wounded in the active service of the Empire. Before Rifleman Northover left ho was a good sport in the football field and always regarded as a strong man in a team. Then came the war, and he joined Lord Liverpool’s Own, and after a month or two in Egypt they sailed for Franco. On the battlefields of the Somme lie took an active part in the soble work of stretcher bearing, and on the 16th September, 1916, while engaged in this occupation, Rifleman Northover and a comrade were wounded by the same shell, each of them losing the left leg. After a deal of time spent in the hospitals in England, Rifleman Northover had returned to Now Zealand aud was now about to do his duty in civil life aud settle down. (Applause). To-morrow ho was marrying a very charming young lady, Miss Henderson, a daughter of one of the oldest and most highlyrespected families in Raugitikei, thus uniting two old aud much respected families. Mr Northovcr's friends wore not content to allow him to pass out of sight as a single man without showirg their appreciation of his services to the country and taking an opportunity of wishing him long life and good luck,, and as an evidence of their admiration to make him a presentation of a purse of sovereigns. As the mouthpiece of 'the enthusiastic gathering he wished him and his future bride every good wish, long life, success and happiness. On handing Mr Northover a purse containing £l5O, thc'assemblnge enthusiastically sang ‘‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow, ’ ’ aud gave three hearty cheers for the guest. Mr S. J. Gibbous, on behalf of the subscribers to the fund, presented Mr Northover with a solid silver tea service and tray', which was inscribed: — ‘‘To Mr and Mrs L. N. Northover. From Raugitikei friends, 11/6/19,” and in doing so referred to the recepient’s ability as a footballer, and also the active part ho had taken in the Great War. Mr Northover feelingly replied. He thanked them all for their splendid reception and for the hand some presents that had been made to himself aud future wife.

The toast, “The Founder of the Fund —Mr Stan. Hunt,” was proposed by Mr A. Way, who eulogised Mr Hunt’s work in collecting such a handsome sum, and who had also devoted a considerable amount of time towards such a worthy testimony of the district’s appreciation. Mr S, Hunt replied by stating that it was a pleasure to work for snch an object for one of his school mates, and thanked the subscribers for the hearty manuor in which they inul responded to his appeal. During the evening Mr H. Slier - riff, who was in good sang “Britain’s Call,” a most appropriate selection, which was received with hearty applause, and he further delighted the assemblage by rendering several of his popular and patriotic selections. Mr Fred Spencer’s contributions were also heartity received, and lie bad to respond to recalls. Mr H. Dudley and Mr Joe Walker also sang. As an elocutionist Mr Haybittle affords an excellent example as to iiow recitations should he rendered, and his portrayal of “The Volunteer Organist” was excellent, for which ho had to respond to a recall. Mr S. J. Gibbons presided at the piano With the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem one of the most popular and enthusiastic functions that has been held in Marten for some time came to a termination.