MOTU NOTES

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1390, 27 February 1905, Page 3

MOTU NOTES

From Our Own, Correspondent. l ), February 22.

A very pleasant function took place here on Monday evening last, in the form of a smoko concert, in order to bid goodbye to Mr Fred Derecourt, who has since left She district. The Chairman, Mr T. T. Tyrman, in proposing the health of “ Our Gueet,” referred to Mr Derecourt’s sterling qualities, not only as a sportsman but as a member of the community. He was always to the front when anything was being done for the advancement of the place. Mr Reed (Capt, of Crioket Club) highly eulogised Mr Derecourt as a cricketer. He said he was the best man in the Motu eleven and in fact it was due to his assistance that the Motu eleven had such a vic-

torious tour. Mr Gallagher also made | reference to Mr jDerecourt’s amiable manner. After the toast had been duly honored, Mr Dareeouct, in reply, thanked those present for the kindness shown him, nod he would assure them that he would long bear in remembrance bis stay in the Motu, as for cricket he loved the game and was always desirous of seeing the grand old game go ahead wherever he was. The toast of the ‘' Ladies ” was responded to by‘Mr E. Calvert in veteran style, “ The Cricketers,” was proposed by Mr Dines, who referred to the splendid achievement of tho Motu eleven, and the toast was coupled with tho names of Messrs W. J. Reed and F, Derecourt, Capt. and vice-Capt. of tho Motu team respectively. The chairman proposed tho health of the “ Opotiki Ladieß,” and referred

to the excellent way in which they had catered for their wants. Mr Derecourt, in reply, said one and all of the Motu visitors 1 had a trip that would not be forgotten. The Opotiki ladeis had been very good, and it was very pleasing to have the hand of hospitality extended when in strauge quarters. Tho toast of the “ Press ” was ' duly honored,, and the proceedings terminated with Auld Lang Syne. At a special general mooting of the Motu Ilifle-Club, held on Monday evening, Mr K.'- JV Ellis was elected captain in place of Mr A. Kidd who has resigned, and Mr W. J. Beed was elected vice,captain in place of Mr EUisMr D. G. Robertson, of the Beads Department, is at present on a visit to the Motu.

Grass-seeding is almost completed. I Bushfellir.g is starting early this y6ar. I ; Mr T. McGregor has just lot a contract I for the felling of 2000 acres; other settlers I are going to follow his example, recognie- I ing that owiDg to the heavy bush it iB I necessary to got the bush down early in 1 order to have a good burn. I The roads .are in "excellent order, and I full advantage, iscbeing taken by carriers. I A number of gentlemen have been here l during the past week looting at the 2000 | acres of freehold land offered for sale by I the East Coast Native Trusts Board. | A vyaV forwarded some time ago to the Hon. Hall-Jones, Minister for Pul?, Ho Works, re the bridge oyer the Mo.tu river, but no veplv has boon received, and if eodid move is not made in tho matter it it will bo a case of 11 Kaitero ” and not u Tehoa " when the right time arrives—next November. The sobool pionio will be held shortly after Inepeotoir Hill’s annual visit.