SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

Southland Times, Issue 17663, 22 February 1916, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

WAIMATUA. A social and dance was held at. Waimatua last Friday evening, ISth inst., at Mr and Mrs Crisp’s residence by the settlers of the district in honour of Trooper R. Morrison, who had returned from Gallipoli. There was a very large gathering. The social opened witli the Rational Anthem. The evening was taken up with songs, games and dancing. Songs were rendered by Messrs T. Moloney, .1. Ryan, C. Ryan, C. McCallum, Mrs Messent, Misses X. Ryan, D. Nally and piano solo by Miss Montague, and all received enthusiastic applause. During an interval Mr Moylan said that they had all met there that evening to give Trooper Morrison a presentation. The Trooper and settlers were entertained on Friday, 11th inst., by Trooper Morrison's brother-in-law and sister, Mr and Mrs Crisp, by invitation at their residence, as a welcome home. He had went away with the main body eighteen months ago, and was given a good send off along with his mate, W. Finnerty, and all were sorry that Trooper Finnerty was not present with them that evening. Trooper Morrison had left him behind wounded. The settlers thought it only right to give Trooper Morrison a presentation, seeing that he got none going away, and they had collected enough to he able to give him a gold and greenstone chain and medal. I-ie had now much pleasure on calling upon W. Finnerty, senior, to make the presentation. In doing so Mr Finnerty said that lie could only endorse Mr Moylan’s remarks, and had very much pleasure, on behalf of his many friends of Waimatua, in presenting Trooper Morrison with a gold and greenstone chain and medal, suitably engraved, and hoped and trusted that lie would he long spared to wear it and enjoy the best of health. Trooper Morrison on rising to respond was greeted with applause, and said he was taken by sunwise. He, had much pleasure in thanking them all from the bottom of his heart, and wherever lie might be the present would always remind him of his friends in Waimatua. After singing "He’s a .lolly Good Fellow" and giving cheers for the Trooper, the gathering enjoyed supper handed around by the ladies. Excellent music was supplied by Messrs Moylan, Finnerty (violin), and Miss Nully and Master Moylan (piano). The duties of M.C. were in the capable hands of .1. Wright. An enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of "Auld Hang Syne.”