FAREWELL TO VOLUNTEERS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12538, 8 May 1915, Page 7

FAREWELL TO VOLUNTEERS.

Bartrum's Tearooms held a very large number last night, when a farewell social was held to Messrs I. Patterson. S.. Austin. W. Direen. and E. Guthrie. iVIiS iijivc volunteered for a&tive service.' Messrs Direen and E. Guthrie have already gone forward, and Messrs Thompson and M'Leotl acted as tlieir representatives- . . , Apologies for absence were received from several gentlemen. Mr J. Gerrie, President of the Excel-

sior Football Club, presided, and, in his opening remarks said he was pleased that the members of the three sports clubs (.football, boating, and swimming) had attended in such large 1 . numbers, tints-showing, tlieir appreciation of the patriotic .spirit or their club' mates in VoiUnteerlnjj; for attive service: . . Dr Douglas, on behalf of the Swimming and Boatiug Clubs, presented a set of military brushes and a wristlet watch to Mr Patterson, and in doing ! so made glowing reference to i\jf Pat- | terson's work in connection with both clubs. He trusted to see- him return to Oamaru saf c and sound, Mr Gerrie presented to Mr Patterson, on behalf of the Excelsior Football Club, a football tap, and in doing so referred, to the fafct that the ebb had over 40 ittcm tiers at the ffpht or tin the Way there. Other clubs had also-.con-tributed'a- large percentage of those onactive service. He was sure all would j give «' good account of themselves, the proof of which was to be plainly seen in the Dardanelles action. All would' feel pride in the fact that, though new to the game, the first time they had; faced thtr enemy they had not flinched. , It was clear' that the old lighting Spirit of tlve.il- forefathers 'was still in their blood. The club felt it was an ltonot* to make presentations to all its members offering their services, in recognition of the sacrifices they were making.. Many vvere anxious to go forward, but. were prevented b'v their responsibilities, and those . wlio .did do so were really fighting.to keep those left behind in safety, He referred to the absence of Messrs Di-reen and Guthrie, regretting that they .were not able to be. present, and on behalf of the Excelsior Club requested their representatives present to accept a cap (Mr Direen) and razor (Mi- Guthrie), as mementos of their Club's" appreeia--tion. He also presented 'Mr Austin with a. siliraar token in the shape of a cap. On behalf of their club-mates he wished them prosperity and a safe return".

The recipients.briefly. and in appropriate words, acknowledged the gifts, intimating that they would all do their best to keep the old flag flying.—(Applause.)'

During the evening the following toast list was honored:—"The King," proposed by the Chairman: '"The Army and Navy," proposed by Mr M'Culloch. and responded to by Mr Davey ; Britain and Her Allies," proposed by the Chnirman. and responded to by Mr D. Brown: "The Guests," proposed by Mr MCulloch. and responded to by. Messrs Patterson and Austin: "The Ladies," proposed by Dr Douglas, and responded to by Mr Gibson. "The Chairman" was toasted with three times throe and musical honors, as was Lbiit of "The Host." proposed by the Chairman, who stated that Mr Bartnnn had .shown his patriotism by supplying the refreshments at absolutely bare cost.

.Songs and recitations w&re contributed during the evening by the following:—Messrs Murdoch. Davev. Gibson, Good, and M'Culloch. -Mr W. Williams' made an efficient accompanist. The gathering, after a pleasant ex-en-ing. dispersed to the strains- of "Aul'd Lang Syne."