SOCIAL AT ORMOND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4007, 13 August 1915, Page 6

SOCIAL AT ORMOND.

FAREWELL TO RECRUITS. MR. CON NEENAN ENTERTAINS HIS FRIENDS. Tlio social tendered by My Con Neenan to his many friends in this district took place last evening and was a pronounced success, the residents of Ormond making the most oi the opportunity thoughtfully provided bv Mr Neenan to bid farewell to their brave lads who have joined the colors, and who are leaving with the Eighth Reinforcements. Mr IV. Tucker occupied the chair and, at ins request, no encores wore allowed owing to a lengthy programme. Tho proceedings opened with the “National Anthem,” followed by tho “Marseillaise,” sung by Mr C. Top-, liss, the audience rising and joining the chorus. 'Then followed a song by Mrs McKenzie, which was well received. A recitation by, Mr H. ,E. Bright entitled. “Bill Boggits” brought down the house, and “Sons of the Sea” by Mr W. Mitchell also took well. A quartette- by Messrs, Armstrong. Mitchell. Topliss and Grieve entitled “Local Tit Bits” caused much amusement, the chairman having to relax his rule, on this’ occasion and allow it to be repeated. A song by Mr Watson entitled “Wai At-opoi” was sung to advantage, as was “Soldiers of the King,” by Mr C. liar re. , The audience joined enthusiastically in the chorus of the patriotic songs. “Land of Hope and Glory,” by Mr H. A. Armstrong, concluded the first part of the programme, and then the chair called upon the fifteen lads who are leaving for tlie front to come on the stage, and after a short- address, called upon Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald to make each of them a presentation. Tlio bon. gentleman was in good form and delivered a stirring address, after which ho presented each trooper with a set of military brushes; suitably inscribed and engraved with their initials, tlio articles being a credit to Mr H. J. Grieve, who supplied them. Vocal items by tlio following concluded a most successful social: Mr Grieve “The Old Brigade,” “Soldiers in the Park,” Mr Topliss: “My Old Shako,” Mr V. Harro; “Tipperary,” Mr Watson : “Old Erin, the Shamrock and You,” Mr V. Harro. An apology from Mr A. M. Newman was received by the chairman, Mr Aevnian wishing the boys God speed and a safe return. Speeches wore also delivered by the following gentlemen : Mr J. McLeod, Rev. Father O’Malley and Mr Con Neenan, and Air Fred Hobbs replied on behalf of the boys, A sumptuous slipper was done full justice to, after which dancing was indulged in until tlio small hours of this morning. The chair returned thanks to those ladies and gentlemen who had gone out from town and whose efforts were so successful; also to the To Kanaka Band, which contributed several items which made them real favorites with tlio large audience. Tho thanks of the committee are due to Mr Seymour McFarlane for Stilting the hall with his patent gas plant free of charge, the effect being much admired by all present.