OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 August 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

(OUK OWN COSEESPONDENT.)

The influenza epidemic has, after devastating Kumara and district, carried its ravages into the township of Greenstone. Among the, victims is Mr B. Harris, member for the riding. However, we all hope to see the genial “Bob” about soon again. It is always a pleasure to have to record the advancement of any of our young men. But then we can ill spare them, hence our pleasure is not unmixed regret. (This time it is with the proverbial mingled feelings that I record the fact that Mr Herman Barger is about to remove to Hokitika, where he is to take the management of Mr Mao Kay’s drapery business. During the Syears of his connection with Mr P. D. Todd’s emporium he has disala.yed a degree of business tost and ability that should sooner or later win the reward of merit. Though it is our lots wo are glad that it is for Mr Burger’s advancement, and we wish him every success in his new sphere. The annual social in conneotection with the JToung Men’s Club took place at the Mnsor.dc Hall on Wednesday night and was an unqualified success. Though the number present did not equal that of former years owing to the brief notice, yet the yet spirit of sociability animating all, compensated for a shortage of number. The hall was artistically decorated, and the table set 3 with such a variety of good things, that of themselves were sufficient to rouse the drooping spirit of a pesimist if such had come that way. The evening was spent in dancing alternating with songs and recitation by members and visitors. The supper took the form of a banquet, minus of course the champagne for (tell it not in Gath) we drank success to everything proposed, in that strictly temperance beverage coffee. Nevertheless this did not discount in any way the success of the function. The primary object of such a banquet is to give our young men a chance to exhibit the perfection of their skill in the art of oratory and prove to the visitors that the club does confer real benefits on its members. The object was successfully achieved, as visitors to Wednesday night’s function can verify. The toast list was carried through without a hitch. After the usual

loyal toast had been honoured " The Club ” was proposed by Rev. J. Clark, and responded to by Messrs Eoivenden and Eggleton, two of ’the oldest nMembers. Then came “ The Que at of the E vening,” Mr Q, B. Budkin, proj'oaed by the President, Rev B, Whitehowse, who in a f«licitious speech referred to the los s the Club was sustaining in Mr Budkin, hfr Rudkin responded and thanked all for the way they had drunk to the toast of his health. He also Strongly advocated the claims of the Club to the support of the ’public. “ The Ladies ”in the hands of the Eev. Mr Thompson, responded to by Mr McHraith, found two able and enthusiastic champions. Into M.v W. B. Gilbert’s hands “Our Visitors” was J laced, and Mr A. Foot respond ed. “The ress’’ Mr Sinclair, responded, to by Mr Eichards and “ Our Host ” by the President and Mr Tansoy closed the list. 'Bancing being resumed waa kept up till 1.80 a.m.