SOLDIERS' FAREWELLS

Southland Times, Issue 17966, 6 March 1917, Page 2

SOLDIERS' FAREWELLS

AN ORETI SEND-OFF. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Wednesday evening two of the Oreti district volunteer soldiers (Privates M. Horner and C. C. Calder), who were down on final leave, were tendered a social, when the hall was crowded. The function took the form of a concert and dance, when a capital musical programme was submitted by Winton and local talent, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. During an interval in the proceedings, Mr Gazzard, on behalf of the residents of the district, presented Private Homer with a wristlet watch and Private Calder with a fountain pen and a case of pipes. The speaker, in doing so, eulogised the spirit of patriotism which had induced the young men to shoulder the rifle on behalf of the Empire, and was sure they would do their share and worthily aid in upholding the honour of the young manhood of the dominion already at the front. Messrs T. McLean and P. de la Pcrrelle also spoke. At the conclusion of the concert refreshments (kindly supplied by the ladies of the district) were partaken of, after which dancing w-as indulged in by the younger members of the community for a few hours. A WAIAU FUNCTION. A large number of Waiau residents assembled at Tuatapere on Thursday evening to bid farewell to Privates A. Miller, M. O’Connell and D. O’Connell, who are attached to the 24th Reinforcements. Piper A. Robertson played the men to the hall, after which an enjoyable concert programme was gone through, the following taking part:—Mrs Hinchcliff, Misses M. and N. Adderson, Messrs H. Cochran, A. Adamson, J. Durham, and G. Griffin. The violin selections by Mr T. Howard were much appreciated. At a suitable interval the chairman (Mr H. McFeeley) referred to the object of the gathering, and called on Mr Donald McKay (Te Tua) to make a presentation to Private A. Miller. Mr McKay, in handing the departing soldier a handsome wristlet watch, assured him of their best wishes. The people of the district would look forward to the home, coming of himself and his mates. They would, be knew, always play the game, and do their part in overthrowing the tyranny that was shadowing the world. Mr T. O'Brien (Te Wacwae), in presenting Privates M. and D. O’Connell with wristlet watches, said that the boys before him were like so many brave fellows, giving up a great deal to go and fight voluntarily for their country. Private Don O’Connell, who was now just of military age, was the first pupil of the Te Waewae school eligible for war. On behalf of the people of Te Waewae and of their friends in the Waiau, be wished them a safe return to their own dominion. Each soldier on stepping forward was heartily cheered, and responded to the sentiments expx-essed in a brief and happy manner. After supper had been handed round by the ladies, a very enjoyable function was concluded by the singing of tho National Anthem.