PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE R. GLENDINNING.
On Tuesday night Pte. Robert Glendinning, a popular miner and late captain of the Thistle Football Club, was entertained at Kelly's Commercial Hotel by a number of friends and members of the club. The young soldier, who is a fine type of Scotsman, has resided in Lithgow about three years.
Mr. Arthur Valentine occupied the chair, and in briefly stating the object for which the company had met, eulogised their guest, both for his exemplary character as a citizen and as a soldier. He proposed "The King," which was loyally honored.
After a song or two the chairman proposed "Health and Success to Pte. Glendinning." They were all proud of the step he had taken, and though their method of entertaining him that night was on the humble side, Pte. Glendinning must not estimate their admiration by that standard. He had been a good sport on the football field, and was captain of their club, and as a man he had won the respect of a large circle of friends. While pleased that he was going to shoulder the rifle, they all regretted that they would be deprived of the company of such a worthy man. (Applause.)
Pte. Jas. Watt was asked to make the pre sentation to the guest. This consisted of a Swan fountain pen and a luminous wristlet watch. Pte. Watt said, as a returned wounded soldier, it gave him great pleasure to be accorded the privilege of making the presentation. He was undertaking a job which carried with it risks, but that was nothing to the satisfaction one felt at realising he was fighting the enemy of Britain and civilisation. He (the speaker) had had a taste of it, and he only wished he was in a fit state to go right back to the lines with their guest. The mate with whom he left Australia was now sleeping at Gallipoli. He trusted that Pte. Glendinning would have a big experience at the war, do his duty manfully, and return to them with honors thick upon him. In handing him the presents he conveyed the best wishes of those present, as well as those of scores of others, (Loud applause.) The toast was received with great enthusiasm and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."
Pte. Glendinning was warmly received. He regretted that he could not say all his heart dictated, but he hoped he would prove a better soldier than he was a speaker. He was glad that he had enlisted, as he felt it his duty to do so. The complimentary remarks made in reference to his conduct were very encouraging, and he trusted he would never give either that company or Lithgow cause to blush for him. He intended to do his duty, and hoped he would be privileged to return to them after the conflict. The presents he appreciated very much and had no doubt he would find both useful when far away from Lithgow. (Applause.)
Mr. J. Sneddon proposed "The Army and Navy," which was duly acknowledged.
The chairman, in proposing the press, mentioned that no fewer than 12 members of the Thistle Football Club were now in khaki. That was a good record.
Mr. R. Northey acknowledged the toast which was followed by others of a general nature, and the proceedings terminated at 11' o'clock with "God Save the King" and "Auld Lang Syne."
During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs. P. Baird, Pte. Watts, A. Porter, J. Harrison, J. Sneddon, A. Brown, A. Graing er, A. Valentine, and R. Northey.