DISTRICT NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 7617, 6 September 1917, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

A SOLDIER'S FAREWELL. AT -PLEASANT VALLEY. (Fom Our Own Correspondent.)! A very successful farewell. 'Social was eld in. the Pleasant Valley school' ooiu. on Wednesday evening; last, Auust 29th, to do honour to Trooper iimon Brophy, who Was home on hi" mil leave, and who is in the »o>tb. veinforcements. The gathering- was iac of the largest ev e r seen in "thq ohoolroom. for some time, • thirty onples being present, Mr H. {BSurilly, 'senr., occupied the chair, and nade a stirring speech, after which! 10 made the presentation to the ;iiosl of the evening. This- consisted if a money belt mud illuminated' wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. Mr Murphy spoke of the high ost«an» n which the family are.held through■jut the district, and hoped that IVoOpcr Brophy would return to *'•» district covered with honours, and h# promised Jiiin a better welcome horn* than the' farewell. He then wished the soldier a safe journey l -'and a safe return. ' -, ' Mr Vuceticli / said ''thiit bo,'-'- was pleased to sec such a largo "number presflnt hi the schoolroom. Trooper Brophy was the last man taken by the First Division in Pleasant Valley. He hopod that Trooper Brophy. would have good luck, and return safely, with all those who have leffi (his- district. Mr J. Cragg and Mr •). LysaghS also spoke, wishing the departing soldier the best of luck, and a sale re' turn to the district. Trooper Simon, Brophy replied, thanking the people of.: Pleasant Val« ley for the handsome presents they, had given him; and that die hoped' ta see a large crowd in the schoolroom w» e n he returned-home to the dis« ! triet. (Applause.) 1 Miss Mary Lysaght, of Orari Gorge, then buckled the watch on to \tli* soldier's wrist, amidst loud ap< plauso.

"For he's a: jolly-good follow" itfo* heartily sang by all, Miss, Prisk playing the accompaniment. The Na< tional Anthem was sung, and threi cheers were given for tlie soldier, and three nnor© for our brave boys ati the front. . - i Dancing was then imlulgod in. Ex* (•client danco music was supplied by, Mr C. Gregan (Teiiroka)' throughout the evening, llr F. .1. .(Geral* dine) acted 'as M.C. • efficiently, | and kept things' going merrily. Ex-teal dance music was contributed b# Misses E. Quaid, . J. . Patrick, O, Prisk. During the evening several several well rendered songs were con-* tributecl hy Messrs' SV Hoydcr, K. Quaid, senr., T. Tkyson, M. Brophy, Miss K. Lysaght.. and Mrs I). O'Brten, all the performers bo'mg applauded, A most excellent supper was 1 provided by' the- ladies of the district, and was done full justice to 'by all.. Tim sr-hoolro'mn was decorated wiMiA Highland Fling was given by th« dancers, accompanied on the pipes played by Mr Norman Green, olvJJjTilf ton. There were visitors from Geral-" dine, Hilton, Woodbury, Bgautafui Valley, Pleasant Poin.t, Temuba, and Orari Gorge. Miss 0. Prisk (Gapes'Valley) and Miss M. Lysaght (Orari Gorge)- played the accompaniments to; ! the songs. Private >T. 'Lyons, of.tiha 30th 1 IJeinforcetnenls, was present. Apologies were sent to the chairmani fr«m Messrs T. Pa-tcrsdn, ■). Grcgam> and W. Tlnwke, who were unable to! attend the social. A most onjoyabla and successful evening was brought! "to a cloao with the singing of "Allld Lang Svn:>," - a t a late hour of t/ha riiorniiiir. •