The Farewell to Mr A. McBain.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 March 1914, Page 2

The Farewell to Mr A. Mcßain.

at manakau

The Ma nil kau public hall was I crowded last night by visitois from Te Horo oil the south, Levin on the north, to take Julrt in the farewell to Mr A. Meßain. During the eleven years that lie lias been at Manakau Mr Meßain lias made many friends and last night's gtffnering was easily a record for Manakau. The proceedings opened with u high-class concert programm comprising the following items: Recitation. ZSiiss Nina Gleeson ; song. Miss Kathleen Stmt ton; liaka by the schoolchildren; recitation. "Napoleon's Tomb," Mr I}. Brown : song, "Kathleen Mavourneen," Miss Hurley; song ''Off to Philadelphia,'' Mr H. Andrew; recitation "The land of Splendid Silence," Miss Carte; song. "Father O'Flynn," Mr Kirk: recitation "The Pudding,'' Miss P. Brown (encored); song "All that is lovely," Mrs D'Ath, (encore, "Tosti's Good-bye"): recitation "The Pantomime," Miss Carle (encored); song, "The Cows are in the Clover," Miss "Robinson : song, "The (fipsy's Warning-." Mrs L. Atkins: Shakespearian dialogue, Mr B. Brown and Miss P. Brown (encore, "Falstaff" given by Mr B. Brown; duet, "Life's I)ream is O'er," Mr and Mrs Me, Bain (encored). Several speeches were made. -

Mr H. Andrew said tliut when the news first came to Manakau 'hat Mr Mcßain was leaving tliern, it was suggested that some should do this and some- should do tliat, 1 id finally all had combitiol in arranging the present proc M!<iin<>s. When lie had mentioned to Mr Mcßain that he might give an item on the programme of .the "send-off" Mr Meßain said he hoped they were, not going to make a fuss about his leaving. This was characteristic, he would have slipped quietly away from Manakau without any publicity whatever. Tie (Mr Andrew) spoke' on behalf the Tennis Olub. and inio the formation and working of the club Mr Mcßain had put a great deal of enthusiasm and largely helped to make it the success it now is. He was a clean sport and had done his uttermost to push the club along. The members of the club wished to tluink Mr and Mrs Mcßain for their groat assistance: they would miss them very much, and wished them every success in their new sphere. Thy knew that- wherever Mr Mcßain went lie would always play the game. Mr L. Atkins said that lie could assert without any hesitation that never in the history of Manakau had there been such a gathering as the present one, and they were all friends who had com "to- say farewell to Mr and Mrs Mcßain. Manakau was going to suffer because of their departure. Mr McBain had been identified with-dis-trict cricket and both as an opponent and as a club mate he was always fair. They would have fond recollection of many an enjoyable game in which he had taken part. He also took a great interest- in other than sports bodies, and five vears ago when the Manakau De-

bating" Society was first started he was one of those most enthusiastic in its formation, thanks io his untiring efforts it was now expanding" and well established. They had all realised Mr Moßain's goodness of heart and his willingness to assist them in every possible way. His kindly lectures and advice had left impressions that the hand of time would fail to ettaee, and although. he was leaving Manakau the Mr Mcßain of the past would be seen reflected in the h\ "os ot the young men of the future.. Because it meant promotion they were glad to see him go and on behalf of (he Manakau Debating Society lie wished Mr Mcßain "Crod-apeed."

Mr Burn ell, on- behalf of the School Committee said he was sorry at Mr Moßain's departure. He had worked in complete harmony with the Committee. Mrs Mcßain would be missed by all. On behalf of the people of the district he had much pleasure in presenting him with a purse of sovereigns. Mr "Winiata, for the Levin Football Club, thanked the committee who had the affair in hand for giving them a chance to take part in the present proceedings. Mcßain and himself were very old friends. The district was losing a trood man who would bo very hard to replace and the ffi' Mai Football Club and the whenua "Rugby Fnfon would suffer. He hoped that some <l<;y he would return and call upon all Ins J old friends. On behalf -if the Levin Football Club and it s «unporlers he had much pleasure in presenting Mr Mcßain wi';h .1 very handsome tea and coffee mt:'. vice. Mr Mcßain responded iVSingly and in well-chosen terms. A full report on his remarks will appear in to-morrow's issue. TV