VALEDICTORY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1186, 21 November 1884, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

Farewell Dinner to Mr G. Batcliteb. On Friday evening last Mr George Ratoliffe, who fs about to leave the colony after a residence of over 20 years, was entertained by a number of hie fidende at a farewell dinner in the Library Hall, Alexandra. About 25 .gentlemen, comprising the leading residents of the town and district, sat down to provided by Host T«bill, who on |hjgLpccasion fairly excelled himself. The ehajpwas occupied bv tfie Mayor, Mr G;N. McDonald, ft q. supported by Mr J. Rivers as ViceChairman. The Chairman read letters of apology fron the ,Rev. M jf ■ Lothian and several other gentleman who were precluded hy business arrangements from' attending. After ample justice had been done' to the good things provided the usuaMoyal toasts were drunk, and the Vice-Chairman proposed the heath of tbe guest of the evening, Mr George Ratcliffe. In the course of his address he paid a high tribute to Mr Ratcliffe’s many excellent qualities, which had gained him the esteem and respect of all classes in th« community during his long residence in the district, and he would leave a host, of friends behind him, and he thought he could state without exaggeration, not one single enemv. In conclusion, he called upon those present to drink health and prosperity to Mr Ratcliffe. After the toast bad b«cn drunk with all the honours, Mr Ratcliffe responde 1 in an appropriate and feeling speech, in which he thanked them for tbe warm manner in which they had drank his health, and said that he had spent a considerable portion of bis life in the district, and he felt on leaving them as if he was parting from a home’ lie could not say if he left an enemy behind h'm, but if so. he was not aware of it. He would never forget the many friends he bad made, and would alwavs feel pleasure in hearing of the success of the district A number of other toasts were given, varied by some excellent songs *’v Messrs Austin, McLeod, Robertson, Wingfield, Fiprila- - , and others. After a very enjovah e evening the company broke up afrer singing •* Auld Lang Syne” with all the ancient rites.