Smoke Social.

On Friday evening, July 14th the members of the Essendon Athletic Club held a successful smoke social to bid farewell to one of their members, Mr. Alan Ness, who is shortly leaving for the front. Musical and other items were rendered by Messrs. Ness, Nicholls and S. Grunden, while the accompaniments were ably played by Mr. H. Grunden.

The following toasts were honoured: "The King," proposed by Mr. J. Williams. "Our Guest" by Mr. G. Rollason: "Our Boys at the front," by Mr. S. Nicholls; "The Club," by Mr. J. King, and supported by Mr. G. Rollason. In proposing the toast of "Our Guest" Mr. Rollason dwelt on the good qualities of Mr. Ness, and in asking him to accept a present of a pair of razors and strop, hoped that they would be useful to him, and would bring back memories of the old club whenever he used them.

In responding, Mr. Ness said he was sorry to be leaving his old companions, but felt that duty called him away; yet he would never forget the good feeling that had been shown to him since being a member of the club. A suitable present was also given to Mr. Cliff Goulding, who is leaving the district. After a vote of thanks to the artists and to the Misses Chandler (for the catering), the evening closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. 

The Essendon Gazette. (1917, July 26). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603233 

A very pleasant evening was spent on Saturday last by about 70 ladies and gentlemen at the Albert Hall, Mt. Alexander rd., at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Ness, of Dickens street, Moonee, Ponds, the occasion being a farewell to their son, Alan, who is leaving for the front. The   following contributed items :-Misses Gladys and Gwenllian Hooper, Annie Jennings, Olive and Ida Smit,. Eileen Ness: Messrs. Stephen McDonald, Harry Compton, Grunden Brothers, and Privates Merrick and Rawsthorn. Mr. George Williams proposed the health of the young soldier, and on behalf of the company wished him God-speed and a safe return to his parents. The guest of the evening suitably responded, thanking those present for their kind   wishes, and expressed the hope that he would soon be back among them. Dancing was indulged in, and the proceedings terminated with thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ness, and the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne."

ROLL OF HONOR. (1917, July 26). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603247