VALEDICTORY.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 746, 12 June 1894, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

In order that they might bid him a formal ‘ Good-bye,’ at least, last Friday evening some five and twenty gentlemen, chiefly residents of Amuri engaged in pastoral pursuits, met at the Culverden Hotel, where they entertained Mr W. A. Scaife at a banquet. The gathering was of a threefold character. It was intended as a compliment to the guest of the evening, —recognition of the esteem in which he is held in the Amuri as a man and as an officer of one of the most important departments in the public service of the Colony; next, as an acknowledgment of the manner in which he has discharged his duties as Stock Inspector within his late charge; but more particularly in congratulation of his promotion to the highly important office of Stock Inspector in charge of the whole of the Middlo Island, to which position Mr Scaife was appointed a few days since. The function was, perforce, very hurriedly arranged, in consequence of Mr Scaife’s early departure from Amuri. Thus there was very little time to make the matter known, or there would have been a much larger gathering. As it was the assemblage was not only representative of Amuri, but, also, of the neighbouring districts. Host Moffat, at very short notice, had prepared an excellent dinner, which would have done credit to a city house.

The Chair was occupied by Mr John McArthur, of St James’ Station, with Mr J. H. Davison, of St Leonards, as Vice-Chairman. Here it may fittingly be remarked, without appearing to make an invidious observation, that Mr McArthur proved an able and a most entertaining Chairman. Nearly all the toasts were proposed by him in a commendable manner. The loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honored, the Chairman proposed ‘ Our Guest ’ in well chosen terms, appreciative of Mr Scaife as a gentleman, as a citizen, and as an officer of the Stock Department. The toast was most enthusiastically received, being accorded musical honours, with ‘ three times three ’ and a duplication in favour of ‘ Mrs Scaife and children.’

Mr Scaife replied in a very neat speech, regretting his removal from immediate relationship with such a host of kind friends as ho felt he had in the Amuri and Kaikoura districts. Other toasts followed. Mr D. Rutherford proposed the Stock Department, to which Messrs Scaife, J. Huddlestone and J. Henderson responded. ‘ Pastoral and Agriculture ’ was coupled with the names of Messrs D. D. Macfarlane (Lyndon) and Murchison (Lake Coleridge) ; Hnrunui Rabbit Board with that of Mr W. O. Rutherford; Amuri County Council with that of its Chairman, Mr D. Rutherford ; the Ladies, with those of Messrs Crowley and W. O’Connell. Mr D. Macfarlane proposed the Chairman in language the sense of which all present endorsed, and ‘ He’s a jolly good fellow’ was sung with a ‘ tiger.’ The * Host and Hostess ’ was toasted in a manner indicative of the popularity, and appreciation of the catering, of Mr and Mrs Moffat.

A number of capital songs and recitations were given throughout the evening, enhancing the pleasure of the proceedings. Those who contributed to the harmony and entertainment were Messrs F. Northcote, Jackson (Woodbank), Crowley (Waikari), Scaife, T. Chapman, Ed. Jones and Murchison, the latter being particularly good. ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ concluded a most successful ‘ send off.’ The next day Mr Scaife left Culverden for the South, with the heartiest of good wishes for his success.