FAREWELL SOCIAL To Private Albert SCHUNKE In the Natimuk Mechanics Hall, on Friday evening last, a farewell social was tendered to Private Albert SCHUNKE, who was home on final leave and who is expected to sail shortly for the front. Considering that only 24 hours notice of the social could be given there was a large attendance, though men of eligible age were conspicuous by their absence. The Rev. A.M. FRANCIS, chairman of the Farewell and Welcome Home Committee, presided, and before the proceedings commenced, invited Mr James ORR, who will shortly go into camp, on to the platform. In addition to the two guests, there were also on the platform ex soldiers V.C. BROWN and Chris BOUSFIELD and Corporal Gus TOLLNER, the latter having been invalided home after spending six months in a hospital in England. The chairman said they were gathered together to offer honour and best wishes to Private Albert SCHUNKE. There was no need to introduce him, he was known to all present. It was not a time to digress as to the character of the guests, but it was right and fit that they should honour them. The question of nobility of life entered into the action the guests had taken. They could not do great things without a noble character. It was a time to do great things. There were two things worth fighting for, God and country. They had heard a good deal about a call. The effect of a call or its influence was different on the different individuals, and when the call came to fight for the Empire it was received differently. Some boasted about their country and were pleased to do a lot of talking, but James ORR and Albert SCHUNKE did not talk but put the call into action. These men were putting God save the King and the waving of the banner of St. George into action. After all, of what value was a life that was not worth fighting for ? Private SCHUNKE was stepping into the shoes of two brothers killed at the war, while Mr ORR was giving up the promise of a brilliant career in the civil service. These two men were prompted to do something which would have an influence on the world. In Eastern countries it was held, that when a man laid down his life he gave of his best. The two men who were going forward to fight for a great cause, and with every good wish they wished him God-speed and looked forward to the time when they would come back crowned with honour. He had much pleasure in presenting Private SCHUNKE with a safety razor and a wallet and Mr ORR with a set of military brushes. Private SCHUNKE briefly but feelingly returned thanks. The chairman wishes to express his thanks to Misses D. BOYD and RATCLIFFE for supplying music, Mr ANTONY for decorations, and the performers and all those who helped to make the evening a success. The program was as follows:-- National Anthem Recitation, Selection from Ginger Mick, Miss FRANCIS. Song, Ladies in Khaki, Miss Ivy McLEAN. Song, The Deathless Army, Mr ORR. Song, Smiles, Miss E. SCHURMANN. Song, When We Gather Round the Old Home Fire, Miss D. BOYD. Recitation, Mrs Pagaty's Party, Miss FRANCIS. Song, God be With You, Miss NITSCHKE. A well attended dance was held afterwards. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone Qld www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/