VALEDICTORY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 552, 22 March 1913, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

A social gathering took place in the Municipal Chambers on Thursday evening last, the occasion being to tender a temporary farewell to Mr Elias Martin, who shortly intends to join the ranks of the bnnodicts. A large number of Mr Martin's friends were present and a most enjoyable evening was spout. Mr E. C. Falwasser occupied the chair. The toast of "The King" having been honoured, Mr Brittan proposed "Tho Benedicts," Messrs Johnston and Rothery feelingly responding. "The Bachelors" were toaated by Mr Sharpleß, Messrs Westmacott and Hurton, in responding endeavoured to prove that the happy state of bacholordom ( was infinitely preferable to the glorious state of matrimony. Tho benedicts being in the majority, it is needless to add, that the remarks of the speakers failed to carry weight. Ihe toast of the "Legal Fraternity" waß proposed by Mr J. B. Young, who illustrated his remarks with some very appropriate anecdotes. Messrs Howarth and Finlay responded. The toast of the evening was then proposed by Mr J. R. Graham, who, in tho course of hia remarks, wished Mr Martin every happiness and p'Oßpority in his future life. Several other speakers eulogised the many good qualities possessed by Mr Martin, who, in tho courso of hs reply, statod that after hearing the heartfelt remarks made by his benodict friends, ho was entirely satisfied that tho step he was about to take was a wise one . Mr J. W Cochrane ably proposed tho toast of "The Ladies." Messrß Simmonß, Mackay and C. Board responded to the best of their knowledge and ability. The toast of "Bride-elect" was entrusted to Mr Finlay. The j evening closed with tho toast of tho I "Press", proposed by Mr Youren, and responded to by Mr Matthew. The evening's enjoyment was greatly enhanced by a well selected programme. Songs were contributed by Messrs Price, Howarth and Gould, and recitations by Messrs Brittan, Westmacott and Young. The item of tho evening was a sword dance, most skilfully executed by Messrs Cochrane and Ruthery, who, in response to an emphatic demand for an encore, gave a Scotch reel. Messrs Young and Christian officiated at the piano.