Ralph Stanley Wheeler was manager of Chatham Islands Radio 1914-1916. This brief item was carried in “The Star” (believed to be the Christchurch Star) on 14 September 1916. It is a pity the report doesn’t contain more information, such as the nature of the “token of esteem”.
Chatham Islands News.
[from our correspondent.]
…Five intending recruits received notice by wireless to leave on or about September 8 for the mainland to enter into training. They are O. Cox, E. Seymour, Waitari, Piwari and Clark. A fair number of Islanders assembled at a social on Wednesday evening to bid them farewell, and a purse of Sovereigns was presented to each of the soldiers. Mr S. Henderson, chairman of the Rifle Club, made the presentations, and a patriotic speech was delivered by the Rev J. Kaapa. During the evening Mr R.S. Wheeler, who is leaving the Island, was presented with a small token of esteem from his friends.
As originally published: