Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

PRESENTATION AND SEND-OFF

On Tuesday evening last Mr. Percy Ings, employee of Messrs. lbbotson and Portus, was the recipient of a presentation on the eve of his departure for the front. Mr. Ibbotson  presided over an attendance of over 30 employees of the firm and some friends, and a pleasant evening was spent. The chairman proposed the health of Mr. Ings, which was  received with musical honours, and in a few well-chosen words congratulated Mr. Ings on the step he was taking. Although expressing regret at losing the services of such a  valued workman he was proud to know that another employee had volunteered. He wished their guest a happy career while at the front and hoped he would return safe and sound to his friends in Goulburn. Mr. Portus also spoke in complimentary terms of the character of Mr. Percy Ings, and remarked that his firm had complete trust in their guest. He was loath to lose him, as he was amongst the most reliable and trustworthy of the employees. He sincerely hoped he would gain a V.C., and should he return from the "din of  battle," as he sincerely hoped he would, a position would always he found for him at the firm's works. Mr. Harry Hayes, senior employee, spoke of his long acquaintance with Mr.  Ings, who was at all times an agreeable and pleasant working companion. Messrs. Blackshaw (bookkeeper), Smith, sen., Cully, E. Coghlan, Austin, and others also referred in  eulogistic terms to their guest and fellow workman. Mr. Coghlan in a humorous and characteristic speech presented Mr. Ings with a wristlet watch on behalf of the company.  Mr.  Ings returned thanks. He remarked that he was merely doing his duty by enlisting, and he hoped others would follow him. He would strive to maintain on the field of battle the  good name he apparently had achieved with Messrs. Ibbotson and Portus and his fellow carpenters and workmen. Mr. Ings, sen., also returned thanks for the kindly expressions for his son's future. During the evening a concert programme was carried out, and Mr. Percy Portus was in excellent mood as a monologue entertainer. Mr. McGee played a violin solo, Mr. Onions contributed a piano solo, and songs were given by Messrs Swan, Stuckey, and M. Hyndes, the lastnamed being in excellent voice. Mr. A. McAlister accompanied  the various artists on the piano. 

PTE. PERCY INGS KILLED.

Mr. E. Ings, of Breadalbane, received word on Friday that his son, Pte. Percy Ings, of the Machine Gun section, was killed on July 20. The young soldier was employed by Messrs.  Ibbotson and Portus as a carpenter before he enlisted. He was about 22 years of age.