Quite a large crowd gathered at the the Dadswell’s Hall on Thursday evening December 26, the occasion being a farewell, social and presentation to Gunner Cecil Innes, who was on leave.

During the supper interval Mr. Rae as chairman, firstly referred to the death of the late Cr. C Purvis, who had been with us on the last occasion and as a mark of respect asked those present to stand for a few moments silence. Mr Rae then called on Cr. Byrne of the Stawell Shire to make a presentation to the soldier guest on behalf of the district residents. Cr Byrne speaking very appropriately, referred to the many activities with which Gunner Innes had been connected when a resident of the district, such as cricket and tennis clubs, school correspondent, fire brigade etc., and in handing over a gents toilet outfit wished the guest the very best of luck in his undertaking and a safe return home.

Mr, J. Cunningham then spoke on behalf of the tennis club, saying how proud they all were of him as an Australian soldier and also as an Englishman. He then asked to accept a set of brushes from the tennis folk with the same good wishes as the previous speaker.

Gunner Innes then rose, amidst sustained applause, to respond. He sincerely thanked everyone for the presents and their kindly remarks and good wishes. The proceedings terminated with the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and “Auld Lang Syne”.