STAFFORD NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1922, Page 1

STAFFORD NEWS.

(Our own Correspondent.)

On Tuesday evening lasi: the fates that rule the weather must have had a had temper for we unfortunately had a stormy night from,four o’clock till after ten, when the moon looked down upon us with a smiling face, too late to permit people from a distance to come to the social to Mr and -Mrs Behan and family, one well filled car only came from Greymoutli. However, by nine o’clock about thirty-five ladies and gentlemen, and some thirty school mates of Mr Behan’s hoys, had gathered in Turner’s Hall and dancing commenced with a set of quadrilles to the music of Mrs Stewart ((piano), and Mr Fred Martini (cornet); in subsequent

dances, Miss Lareomhe (piano), and Mi P. Griffin (violin) presided. Mr It. Roberts was M.C. all the evening, and did not spare himself in keeping the dancing going with only short intervals. Mr Blackmon kindly lent his piano lor the social. Miss Lareomhe and Mr Muir sang a song each, to the delight of all who’heard them. At the request of friends, Mr ■ Sandle presented Mr Behan with a ease of Loewe pipes and to Mrs Behan an envelope containing a nice present from the people of the whole district. In making the presentations Mr Sandle expressed his own and also the regret of the whole community that the changes taking place necessitated the removal of Mr Behan—and also others—from the district, but sincerely trusted that their future might he blessed with health, happiness and prosperity. Mr G. Liuklater, Mr F. -Martini, and Mr A. Gambira/.zi, old school mates of Mr Behan, also desired to emphasise their thank!illness for iho friendship that had always existed between them, and their earnest wishes tor the future welfare of Mr and Mrs Behan and their family. Cheers and ‘‘.lolly Good Fellows” were heartily given. Mr Behan feelingly responded, expressing his regret at leaving Ids native place and that of his wife, and especially the parting from the iriends of his childhood and manhood.

The refreshments provided by the ladies were choice and abundant, and were done ample justice to.

Thanks were heartily given to the musicians,’ M.G., Mr Turner for use of tlx' hall, Mr \V. Blackmon for loan of |,is piano, the ladies for their great kindness in providing refreshments and everyone who had contributed in making the affair such a success.

Dancing was then resumed and kept up with vigor until 2 a.m. If only the weather had been kind to us the hall would have been filled to its utmost capacity.