The Farewell Social.

Manawatu Herald, 8 February 1900, Page 2

The Farewell Social.

The Victoria Hall was filled last night by an audience desirous of taking leave of Mr Robert Perreau who has been accepted as a member of the Third Contingent. Mr Perreau must have been highly gratified at the compliment paid to him. It is satisfactory to know that Mr Perreau passed ail the tests most satisfactorily in riding and shooting. At 300 yards he made the creditable score of eight bullseyes. He returned to Wanganui by this morning's train and there were a number present to again wish him good-bye, and who raised a hearty cheer as the train moved off. On Friday the Wanganui section proceeds to Wellington by train and will embark on Saturday for Lyttelton. The chair at the Social was taken by Mr Thynne at the request of the Mayor, who was however present. The first item was an overture played by Miss Osborne.

Mr Thynne then rose and explained that on behalf of the Mayor he had taken the chair owing to his suffering from hoarseness and thus unable to speak. Mr Thynne dwelt upon the importance of the occasion, which he said illustrated the bonds which connected the Empire, as in this colony which had not been settled 50 years we were able to respond to the '• Assembly" sounded in far away England, and not only that but we were sending a Foxton born and bred young man to do battle for bis Queen and Country. He had great faith in our representative who had been always a hard working, sober, and good tempered young fellow and he was sure he would be a credit to the district wherever he was living. Mr Perreau would be comforted when in sickness by knowing there were so many who sympathised with him, and who would similarly rejoice in his success. He hoped that Mr Perreau would bear in mind that his responsibilities were great and that he had not only himself to think of but the honour and good name of his native town. (Applause.) Miss C. Austin then played a selection, and was followed by Mr Stuart Ennis who sang " Soldiers of the Queen." The Rev. W. Woollass sam> 11 Soldier and a man " in a manner that deserved the vociferous encore, and sang " Hearts of Oak," the chonr of which was very heartily taken up b\ the audience. Mr T. Westwood's recitation of "The absent-minded beggar" secured an encore. M Woollass sang very feelingly " Tht old Countree."

Miss Rhodes, the daughter of the Mayor, then came upon the stage and presented Mr Perreau with a small memento, in the shape of a gold ! sovereign case on which was inscribed that is was a gift from his Foxton friends. The Mayor explained the meaning of the gift. (Applause). Mr Perreau, who evidently was mqch affected, thanked the Jonors and said the gift would always be much prized by him. He could not say much, he was unaccustomed to public speaking, but he would endeavour to do his duty and maintain the good name of the district. (Applause.) The Rev. W. Woollass said he had been asked by Mr Perreau to thank the audience for their attendance, and he then dwelt upon the enthusiasm the appeal to the colonies had been met and though he had preached peace there were times when nothing but war would secure it. He was sure were the need to come every man able to fight would volunteer to defend the integrity of the Empire and he wished all good fortune to our representative and asked the audience to remember him in their prayers. (Applause). Supper was then handed round, after which Mr Silk played a violin solo, accompanied by Miss Osborne on the oiano, for which he was heartily applauded. Mr Stuart Ennis then made the hit of the evening in the singing of " The absent-minded beggar" though the

audience also succeeded in making some hits when throwing their money on the stage in reponse to the appeal to " Pay, pay, pay-" At the end of the s-.w;-: £2 ys had been received when the chairman said he would like to see it make up £3, and Mr Ennls was called upon for another verse which secured a veritable shower of money . and there came a great demand for Hog further repetition which was however not acceeded to. On counting up it was found that £3 16s 6d had been contributed, from the valueless buttons to the solid half-crown. The announcewas heartily received. __ The chairman then called for three Y*ji heai cy cheers for Mr Perreau which he led, and Mr Perreau then called for three cheers for Mr Thynne and Mr Woollass, which were given.

C-od Save the Queerr, sung by the audience .landing, brought a very nleqsaot func*^ .to . a successful finish.