VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 621, 22 November 1913, Page 5

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

MR GIFFORD ENTERTAINED. A large and representative gathering assembled in the Town Hall last nnighth to take part in the farewell siocial tendered to Mr Gifford, the late staticnmaster at Te Kuiti. In addition to the railway employees, business people and private citizens, the memberrs of the native race were well represented. Mr F. Langstone occupied the chair. The entertainment took the form of a smoker, songs being rendered in excellent style by Messrs Jephson, Bell, Conway, Connell and McKay, while a haka by the Maoris present was much appreciate! In proposing the toast of the guest, the chairman referred to the many qualities possessed by Mr Gifford. which had served to win him the esteem and respect of the staff and the general public. The large and reDresentative gathering that night was the strongset possible proof of the feelings of the local people towards Mr Gifford. A large number of others paid tribute to the departing guest, including Messra Charlton, Mora, Boles, Rothery, .Walsh, Thompson, Petersen and Steel, as well as members of the rail way sevice. During the evening Mr Giffod was the recipient of a presentation from the citizens and staff of a suitcase, travelling bag and rug, while Mr John Hetet, on behalf of the native race, made a presentation to Mr Gifford of a case of pipes and tobacco pouch. Mr H. Hetet referred to the manner in which Mr Gifford had treated the Maoris during the trying period when the small pox epidemic was raging in parts of the province and testified to the unfailing courtesy and consideration which had been extended by him in handling a difficult situation. Apologies for absence, containing good wishes to the guest were received from Messrs Howartb, Darrow, Matthew. Ormsby, Williams and others. Mr Gifford in responding expressed his regret at leaving Ts Kuiti. He had endeavoured to do his duty to the Department, and to the public, and if the exigencies of the service permitted him to return to Te Kuiti be would welcome the opportunity. He thanked them all for their good wishes and trusted the staff would extend the same loyalty and assistance to his successor as had been accorded to him. A number of other toasts were honoured and the gstaering concluded by singing "Auld Lang Syne."