FAREWELL TO MR. AND MRS. LEITCH.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 April 1901, Page 4

FAREWELL TO MR. AND MRS. LEITCH.

The largest social gathering ever held in Blackball assembled at the schoolhouse last evening to bid Mr. and Mrs. Loitch bon voyage on their trip to the Old Country. Among the visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Josepli Scott, Mr. and Mrs. James Scott, Messrs. Alison, Guinness (M.H.E.), Skoglund and Herd. Mr. Manager Scott presided, and hoped all would make a real, good sapper; and, as all were aware that our “ Guests of the evening ” wore about to go home for a trip, ho wished them long life and a pleasant voyage.

The first toast, V‘ The King," was drunk with enthusiasm. Then followed the New Zealand Parliament proposed by Mr. Skoglund and responded to by Mr. Guinness, who said the Parliament of New Zealand was in the hands of the people. He eulogised the extension of the franchise to women,-and spoke on the mining legislation for the protection of miners. Mr. Swcetman sang, ‘ Rule Britt:,nnia,” Mrs. Colquhoun “ Jessie’s Dream ” The next toast “ Our Guests.” (Mir. and Mrs. Leitch) was proposed by Mr. Sneddon, and Mr. Leitch in responding stated that he felt satisfied by the number gathered there that the work ho had done had been appreciated. Mr, Snedden on bebalf of the management then handed Mr. Leitch the .following address : “ To Mr. James Leitch. “On the eve of your departure for Home, wo, representing the residents of Blackball, your sincere friends and wellwishers, embrace the opportunity of wishing you and Mrs. Leitch a safe and pleasurable trip to the Old Country, a happy and well-earned holiday there, with health and vigor, again to steer our “Black Diamond” ship on her prosperous voyage. At the same time wo wish to mark the great estbem| in which you have always been held, and our appreciation of your kindly and just feeling to all. Wishing you God speed.

M. (ierraghty J. Percet Millington J-Thompson L.M.SLond,, Walter H. Heley L.S.ALond, John Smith T. T. Kinsslla T. D. Thomas L. M. Moore Isaac Lees A. Barnhill William Neilsnn A. Jamieson James Outrum Ward Robinson

Peter Daly James Scott, Arch. M'Taggart, Secretary. James Sneddon, Chairmen. “ Blackball, March 29th, JOG!. Song by Mr John Lcitch, ‘ Leaving Australia -to-day.” Mr Scott, on behalf of I lit* Blackball Coal Co., then presented Mr and Mrs Lciteli with a handsome silver tea and coffee service for (bo services rendered by Mr Lcitch during the time the mine was on (ire in 1900. Mr Lcitch in responding thanked (hem for the regard and esteem shown to him and said lie bad only done his duly, and hoped be would always do so. He thanked the Company for their token of esteem. He also took the opportunity to publicly thank Dr Millington for the patient services and skill rendered during bis late severe illness. Miss Boyle then sang “ Golden Love.’, Mr W. Hall recited, “Kissing Cup.” “Our industries” was proposed by Mr M’Taggart.

In responding on behalf of coal, Mr Allison considered coal-mining the principal industry on the Coast, and that employees made good wages. He Maisorry to think that Grcymouth did not consider Brunner and Blackball as it should, and thought that Grcymouth would be very poorly off without Brunner and Blackball, and he thought they deserve better consideration. Mr Swcetman sang “Queen of the ca.th.” Mr M’Lisky responding on behalf of dredging stated that he considered goldmining on the Coast for the last .>030,11 s, of paramount importance to coalmining. Miss Algio sang “How can I wait. ’ Mr Thompson then toasted “The Visitors,” and coupled it with the names of Messrs Herd, Allison, Guinness and Skoglund. Mr Guinness responded and considered the spread did credit to tho district, and would do credit to any part of New Zealand.

Mr Sam Simons sang “ How we got run in.” Miss Robinson sang “Because you love Me.”

Mr Si noons then proposed the toast to the ladies, and said : “I love ’em all, and have‘great pleasure to toast them—young and old, married and single—and would marry them all, but was not able, and wished them a long life and a pleasant one. God bless them every one.” Miss Beresford and Mrs Colquhoun then rendered solos, and Mr Swcctman “ Kemcmber me no more.”

In response to the ladies’ toast, Mr Muir thought it was no use to be frightened and though bashful lie must say that anyone who did not respond must be very bashful and quoted Bevin’s verse “Green grows the rushes 0.” Mrs Eobinson sang “ I love a nice yallor coon.” Dr Millington then proposed the health of the Band and Committee. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the banquet, and the room was soon cleared and the young folks further enjoyed themselves by tripping on the light fantastic.