COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1922, Page 1

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

TO -.ltt AND jlitßS'T. A Y. SEDDON. A VERY SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. The complimentary social tendered to Mr and Mrs T. E. Y. Seddon in honor of their recent marriage, took place in the Opera House, Revel I Street, last night and proved a very successful gathering. There was a largo attendance, the hall -living crowded and dancing room was at a premium for a considerable period. The hall had been prettily decorated with ferns and flags, while the stage was daintily arranged ns a drawing room. There were a number of visitors’ from tlie country districts, wlio gathered to honor the l guests. Tlie Town Band played a number of selections outside the hall prior to ilie commencement- of the social. The music for tlie dames was in the capable hands of Messrs Lawn (piano)), Gibbous (piccolo), Flewellan (violill), tllld Ross (cornet), while Mr 11. A. Tliotiipsun capably had charge of the floor. Tlie guests of the evening were musieallv received and welcomed, a little dot, Edna Woolliouse, presenting a pretty bouquet to Mrs Seddon. Then dancing was commenced, the floor soon being crowded with a happy throng. Between (he dances musical items were given by Miss Shand, Mr Aldridge, Miss I-cpus and Miss Kelly (Kokatahi), tlie latter making a very successful debut. Mrs Houston and Miss Webster supplied the accompaniments. At the supper interval extras were played by Misses Daly, •mil King, and .Mrs Houston. A very dainty supper was served, the ladies committee deserving every credit lor the very complete arrangements made for a successful gathering. CONGRATULATORY.

During an interval in the dancing the formal welcome was given to tlie guests of the evening, there being on tlie stage Mr and Mrs Berry, Hon 11. L. Michel and .Mrs Michel, Hon ,1. Grimmond and Mrs Grimmintd, Mr and. Mrs \Y. ,1. Butler, Mr B. Ward, and Mr I). J. Evans. Tlie Mayor (Mr Perry) said they had gathered there that evening 16 extend a Welcome to Mr and Mrs Seddon oil tlie occasion of their marriage. Ho was well known as the tcpreHenlative of Westland in Parliament, and rceognis ing his splendid services to the district during his lengthy term of office, lie felt tlie position \t“as his for keeps as long as lie wanteilSit. lie had sealed that position now by getting married. During Ids term as representative they had felt that there was one tiling wanting and he was now to ire complimented on hie latest step. Personallylie . (Mr Perry) knew what was wanting and had given him an example which he had speedily followed. He thought lie voiced tlie feelings of every one in the district when lie extended a hearty and cordial welcome and good wishes to Mr and -Mrs Seddon. The latter was comparatively a stranger to many .of them. They welcomed her as the helpmate of Mr Seddon. The hitter had worthily represented tlie district, and lie trusted that lie would find the time and continue to give iiis services to Hie district. He again extended a sincere and cordial welcome to them to this part of tlie West Coast. .Mr Perry then read several apologies for absence received.

lion 11. L. Michel, M.L.C. said he joined in extending a welcome to Mr aiid Mrs Seddon bn the occasion of their marriage. He was specially glad to find that Mrs Seddon bad recovered from her recent illness. Mrs Seddon came from Canterbury. She may find that the West Coast is more rugged hut she will find the people as warm hearted, hospitable and loyal as any part of New Zealand. The West Coast was part of Canterbury in the early days, and the district had miich to he thankful for in the stamp of men sent over to lay out the West Const in the early days. They were a fine stamp of men and had left a high standard for West Coasters to live up to. He, extended a warm welcome to Mr and Mrs Seddon :uul trusted tliat their wedded life wo.qhl by a long anil a happy one. Hon J. ( Iriinmoml, M.L.C., joined in the chorus of good wishes. He desired to extend a West Coast greeting to .VI rs Seddon. Mr Seddon they had known from cinTdliood. For a long time lie had represented them in Parliament and he had .conic through his lengthy service as a gentleman and a politician of unblemished character. , When the war had broken out he.had given his services and had shown he was a soldier and a man. He was gratified indeed to have the pleasure, of being present that evening to do honor to Mr and Airs Seddon. Mr Seddon had now the assistance of his wife to help him in his duties ami lie felt that they would .continue to do their duty to the district and in so doing he an honor to us. lie convoyed his best wishes for a long and prosperous career. Mr Bernard Ward (County Chairman) was pleased to join in the welcome to Mr Seddon. Hero on the West Coast they regarded each other as of one big family, and that evening they were honoring the marriage of the members of that large family. They were all pleased.to know that Mr Seddon was married. Before lie got up Air Seddon had asked him not to he too hard on him. (Laughter). They had known Tom Seddon from boyhood and had always found him a straight and gentlemanly young fellow., lie congratulated Sirs Seddon on the selection of a very good husband, You will always find that a man who was a good soil to his mother made a good husband and Air Seddon had been a good son. The last time they had met on this platform was for quite a different purpose. Then he was about to go to fight for his country. Now they were here to congratulate him in his marriage, and also on having had a very pleasant honeymoon, travelling over the full length of Westland, wldcli was further than many of the Westland girls could say they had gone. Air Ward concluded n very ' happy address hv wishing the happy

couple a long and prosperous , future, and expressed tlie final wisli—May the name 6T Seddon never die out. (Laughter and applause), Mr Perry then asked acceptance pf a pair of handsome pictures of West Coast views, which lie trusted would at all times help them to remember the West Coast and the many friends they have in tlie district. Mr Seddon was heartily received on vising to respond. He said on former occasions when lie liad spoken to them lie had to speak for himself. Now lie had-to speak for himself and his wife. He felt very grateful to them for the very kind ami affectionate greeting extended on their wedding tour. He apologised for not coming earlier to meet them, inti lie felt sure tlie warnith of their welcome could not have been more hearty limit it was flint night. His wife was not a stranger to the soldiers, as when on service itt the war she was doing work at Codford and lie recorded' how at a sports gathering there she had been selected us the representative of tho Mill Coy. boys for the ladies race. add. had proved fi “Desert Gold.” Reverting to tlie present, Mr Seddon heartily thanked then! for tlie handsome pictures. They .would hang them on their . walls and would serve to remind them of this liappj gathering, lie" wished to assure them that tlie wants of tlie West Coast were their own. They "'ere making their home on the West Coast, find would both-do their utmost,to help and push on-the West Coast in every way. He thanked tlie singers, the orchestra, the committee, the band and all tlie spea »- ■ers for their, kind assistance in tlie success of the evening. As member of the district, his wife would assist him m every possible way. He had to thank tho Mayor for tho splendid example lie had given him in Christchurch, they both had Canterbury ladies as wives. He again expressed his warm appreciation and thanks for tlie very hearty reception they had.given himself and wile that evening. (Applause). Subsequently supper was served and then dancing was resumed, a very happy and successful function conclmling about 1.30 g.m-.-