A SOLDIER'S FAREWELL

Timaru Herald, Volume CVII, Issue 16447, 19 January 1918, Page 8

A SOLDIER'S FAREWELL

AT GAPES VALLEY. A successful farewell social and presentation was tendered to Private Hay Hopkins in the Gapes Valley hail on Thursday evening, ' about forty couples being present. Owing to tho bad weather the attendance was much smaller - than usual. Mr A. Herder, secretary of the patriotic committed occupied the chair and introduced the guest of the evening.Ho spoke very highly of the soldier's parents and pandparents, stating that ho had known the latter fortv-hve years ago, and that if the departing soldier had the energy ana courage of his ancestors ihe -would make a name for himself and uphold the honour of his district. His grandparents were practically the pioneers of New Brighton and huilt what is the present hotel. Mr P. Mulvihill made the presentation, a wristlet watch, engraved with name and date. He also spoke very highly of the soldier and his family. Ho said that Mr Hopkins had already given two sons, both of whom had paid the supreme sacrifice, and much sympathy was felt for tliam l>y the pe'oplo of the district. He hoped that the present guest would be spared to come back, covered with glory. Mr Mulvihill read a letter from the Defence Minister expressing sympathy for the bereaved parents, and also stating that Mr Harrop Hopkins, one of the sons killed, was to receive the D.S.O. for bravery on the field. This would be handed to lias parents later on. Mr McNaughton also spoke very highly of the soldier and Iris family. Miss Elsie Hall huckled on the watch. .At intervals the Valley orchestra played national airs?, and at the close of the presentation the soldier ■was cheered, and given musical honours. Tho chairman stated that he had received a letter from Driver A. AValton thanking the people of the district, and the Ladies' Sewing Guild for the Christmas paicel sent by them. It arrived in first,class condition as if it had only heen packed a few days, and every article was of great use. Driver "Walton snid it was not so nmch the value of the parcel as the spirit in which it was sent that gave it great value.

A dance followed, the Valley orchestra supplying the nrasie, and Mr Tindull acting ns M.C. Several boiujs were contributed between dances. Tile ladies provided an excellent supper. Among -those present were two soldiers just returned from the front— Privates G. "Williams and J. "R. Bradshawj of the IQth Reinforcements.