AWAKINO COLLIE CLUB.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 355, 26 April 1911, Page 5

AWAKINO COLLIE CLUB.

VISITORS ENTERTAINED

The Awakino Collie Club is to be congratulated on the very excellent manner in which they entertained their visitors during the days of their dog trials. On the first night a concert as held in a large marquee erected in the township, and the ladies of the district were entertained, and some splendid singing wa3 contributed by both lades and gentlemen. The gathering svas presided over by Mr A. T. Batley.

On the following evening a smoke concert was held, and was very much enjoyed by everyone. Mr A. T. Batley again presided. The toast of "The King" having been duly honoured, "The Navy and Army" was proposed by Mr W. D. Thompson and replied to by Mr J. George (VVaitara) and Mr J. Davidson. Mr W. F. Kelly, in proposing "Agricultural and Pastoral Interests," referred to the strides that the district had bean making of recent years. Perhaps mistakes had been made in the past, in laying down their pastures; but things had so much advanced that all this was becoming rectified. Their district had been handicapped in many ways, due to the bad reading and other facilities. Settlers had had a struggling time, owing to their isolation, and with a little more consideration from the Government their district would advance to a producing stage equal to any other in the vicinity. It was splendid pastoral country, and no one could gainsay that fact. Mr W. Jones, in reply to the toast, made reference to the very bad treatment that had been meted out to them in the matter of roads and bridges. He had had thirty years' experience of the district, and was aware of the hadships that had been gone though. Despite that fact settlers had done well and their district was proving what they could do. Given better facilities, it would be greater. M L. Jacob also referred to the advancement of the district, and hoped that the urgency of the Mokau bridge and the Awakino Valley road would receive its due consideration. These thing.s were essential in order that the district might have the full benefit of its capabilities. Mr J. B. Young proposed the toast of "The Awakino Collie Club," coupled with the name of the Fatron and Secretary, Messrs A. T. Batley and E. H. Paynter. He referred to the very great interest taken in the matter by Mr Batley, and the excellent work clone by the Secretary.

Messrs Batley and Paynter suitably responded, and thanked the proposer for his kind compliments. Mr J. E. C. Harrison proposed the toasts of "The Competitors," and this was responded to by Messrs B. Lett, VV. McCorrnick and J. Scott.

"The Visitors" was proposed by Mr W. D. Thomson and responded to by Mr W. McKenzie and Mr J. B. Young.

"The Ladies" was proposed by Mr C. Ward, and responded to by Messrs C. Wilson and N. Bryant.

"The Press" was proposed by Mr C. Leech and responded to by Mr W. f. Dines.