STAFFORD.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1917, Page 1

STAFFORD.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

On Saturday evening last, a large gathering of friends assembled together in the Coronation Hall for the purpose of making a presentation and bidding farewel] to one of Stafford’s best citizens in the person of Air AYin. Ante-hell, who is leaving the district. Air Mitchell, who is a native of Stafford, was a most ardent and useful worker in pur midst. Besides being secretary of the School Committee and also librarian of the Stafford Literary Institute, lie also acted as secretary and treasurer to numerous other functions on many different occasions.

The gathering, whielr took the form of a, smoke concert, was one of the most successful functions hold in the Stafford district. Air H. AA r . Sandle occupied the chair. The meeting was opened with a toast of IT.AL the King, Queen and Royal Family, followed by a verse of the National Anthem.

The chairman then proposed the toast of “Our Guest,” and in well chosen words expressed regret that Air Mitchell was leaving Stafford, as he was always to the front for the advancement of the district, and had done the lion’s share of the work by attending to many offices as secretary to various institutions. Messrs Lyons, Linklater, McGovern, AY. Bernhardt and AI. Carrol also followed in a similar strain.

The following toasts were duly honoured and replied to hv the many gentlemen present: “The Alining Industry, by Air .T. Rochford, manager of government races and Mr A [organ; “The Mitchell Family,” by Air Sandle; “New Zealand Politics." by AD- Carroll: “Army ami Navy,” by Air T. Av. Duff: “Absent Friends.” by Aft' O. Linklator; “Educational Matters,” by Mr T. -Martini; “The Ladies,” by Messrs At. Fitzgerald and R. .Roberts (ColdsboroughV. and AV. Bernhardt: “Farming Industry,’’ by. Air Carroll ; “Licensed Victuallers hv Ai r L. AI organ and G. Lmv; “New Zealand Soldiers,’ by Ali- Sandle. Songs at intervals were rendered by Messrs . Bernhardt, G. T.inklater. AT. McGovern (Hokitika), G. Low, J. Turner, J. Griffon and $ very nicely rendered cornet solo by Air F. Martini. Air G. Linklater noted as accompanist. The tables wore beautiiulK decorated, and special mention is due in this matter to Alisses Linklater and AI. Routhnn. and Alesdanies Linklater, Morgan, and AlcArlney (Blenheim). During the evening Air Alitehell wnp presented with a ease of pines and tobacco pouch. Mr Mitchell suitably responding. The singing of “For Tie's a .Tollv Good Fellow,” and “Auld Lang Syne*’ brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.