COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1674, 15 February 1906, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

TENDERED TO MR 0. J. PARKER,

There was a large and representative attendance at the Farmers' Union Club rooms last evening on the ocoasioD of the complimentary social tendered to Mr 0. J. Parker, late president of the Gisboroe branch of tbe Farmers’ Union, by the members of the Club and other friends. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. Townley) 8 presided. A capital programme was subl milted, and a most enjoyable evening was ) spent. The toast list was a very lengthy—--1 one, and some excellent speeches were 3 made. 3 The Chairman proposed tho Hpast of 1 “ The King,” whioh after a recitation by f Mr A. F. Kennedy, was followed ky the' 1 .toast, “The Houses of Parliament,\_flis3 j proposed by the chairman. The Hon. James Carroll in a oapable speech traced the history of the New Zealand Parliament, and Baid that it had always been their endeavor to interpret thoroughly and effectively the wishes of the people. (Applause.) The toast of tho guest of the evening was proposed by Mr J. A. Harding, who referred to the extreme hospitality always extended by Mr and Mrs 0. J. Parker, and the interest Mr Parker had taken in the progress of the distciot. He mentioned that apologies had been received from Mr John Clark and Mr F. T. Morgan, who were unable to be present. The toast was received with great enthusiasm, and appropriately responded to , by Mr Parker. Mr R. M. Birrell sang " Scotland Yet ” with much success, and Dr Laing greatly pleased those present with two recitations; Mr Barlow gave a pleasing rendering cf “ Mona,” and Mr R, H. Parker contributed “ Down where the Flows." The toast of the “ A. and P, Society ” was proposed by Mr R. M. BirrelJ, who coaae an excsUout speech, and was re* sponded to by Messrs T. HoldeD, Lysnar. and. W. Bel), Mr P; Sheridan gave a capital recitation, and Mr J. Parker sang “ Wait at the Gate for Me;’’’ : ’■* The Farmers’ Union ’’was proposed ■>. by Mr A. F. Kennedy, and replied to by Mr W. L. Clayton. Recitations followed from Mr J. W. Bright ana the Hod. J. Carroll, and the latter also rendered in a most happy manner “ The Swanee River.” The toast of “ The Local Bodies ” was proposed by Mr W. B. ,Conxmon, and replied to by Messrs H. H. Wall, MatthewJ)u, and J. A. Harding. Mr C. Ferris sang “ Juanita," and Mr Barlow sang “ Tbe Carnival ” with fine effeot. " The Commercial Interests ” was proposed by Mr V. Pyke, who referred to the increasing imporianoe of Gisborne as a oentre, and the facilities afforded by tbe mercantile firms lo tbe farming community. Messrs J. W. Bright and W. D. Lysnar replied to the toast. After an excellent recitation from Mr A. F. Kennedy, Mr D. Parker proposed the toast of V The Ladies," whioh was duly responded to. Songs followed from Messrs Bell and Birrell.

The toast of 11 The Press ” was proposed by Mr E. P- Joyce, and responded to ,by Messrs Gaudin and Macdonald. “ The Chairman,” proposed by Mr W. D. Lysnar, and the Binging of 11 Auld Dang Syno ” concluded one of the most success--ful gatherings held in Gisborne fpr a long time.