Complimentary Social.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3648, 17 May 1906, Page 2

Complimentary Social.

TO MR AND MRS LAING

AND FAMILY.

A GREAT SUCCESS. The popularity of Mr and Mrs Laing and Family was fittingly evidenced by the large number of townspeople who attended the ‘ 1 farewell evening ’ ’ tendered tot them at Mr Mark Perreau’s Rooms on Tuesday night last. Every available seat was occupied, and, besides this, other rooms had to be utilised to accommodate the many friends who wished to do honour to the departing guests, who have established themselves firm favourites as residents of Foxton, We were pleased to notice a large number of ladies present, and the fair sex particularly seemed delighted with the new mode (to them) of spendan enjoyable time—toast, speech and song being the order of the evening.

His Worship the Mayor (G. A. Simpson, Esq.) occupied the position of Chairman, while on his right and left were Mr and Mrs Eaing and faimly. After the toast of “ The King,” had been drank, with musical honours, the assembled party done full justice to all the good things provided by Mr Mark Perreau, who had his tables gaily decorated with flowers and edibles. “our guests.”

This completed, the Mayor then proposed “ Our Guests,” and in doing so, said it was a pleasure for him to have been called upon to fulfil the duties of chairman that evening. That Mr and Mrs Laing had proved themselves worthy citzeus was evidenced by the fact that all classes - of the community were present that evening to do honour. Although the illuminated address which was to be presented to them had not yet left the artists hands, still he knew full well it would be received by the recipients with feelings of pleasure of Foxton associations. It gave him great pleasure to call on all present to rise and drink the health of “ Our Departing Guests.” Needless to say, the toast was drank heartily, and concluded with cheers for the honored family. Mr Daing briefly but feelingly responded to the toast on behalf of himself wife, and family. It was pleasing to them all to think their stay in Foxton had merited the good wishes extended that evening, and all could rest assured this evidence of the esteem and goodwill would be prized. “THE TOAST OF SPORT.” The toast of “ Sport ” was ably proposed by Mr A. F. McMinn. In response, Mr A If. Shad bolt strongly eulogised Mr Laing as an enthusiastic steward of th§

Foxton Racing Chib. Mr Laing had raced horses, one of his charges “ Lass o’Gowrie ” always being hard to beat, and he felt pleased to think news of her different victories were always received joyfully in Foxton. Mr Laing also had a wonder in the way of a son, Duncan, who had shown his heels on numerous occasions to large fields of pedistrians, and who could boast among other feats that he hau won the Manawatu School Championship three years in succession—a great performance. Mr Laing had himself also displayed some of his running instinct in Foxton by carrying off an Old Man's race. On behalf of the Racing Club Mr Shadbolt thanked those present for coupling his name with the toast, as representing the Foxton Racing Club.

On behalf of Football, Mr E. G. Sutherland feelingly thanked Mr and Mrs Laing and Misses Laing for many acts of kindness extended to footballers generally. Footballers had looked upon the Family Hotel as their home, and he was agreeably pleased to assert that no matter whether persons were entire strangers, as soon as they got within the precincts o' Laing’s Family Hotel they were really made to feel at home. The section of sport he was speaking for keenly regretted the departure of the Laing family, who would be sorely missed from Foxton. Messrs F. Whibley (cricket) and L. E. Readc (Quoits) also suitably responded on behalf of “Sport.” OTHER IMPORTANT TOASTS. Other important toasts appropriately dealt with were: — i “The Borough Council,” Mr J. Levett, and responded to by His Worship the Mayor; “The Vocalists,” Mr E. Healey, and responded to by Mr A. F. McMinn; “The Press,” ably proposed by Mr Dan Heagerty in a brilliant speech, and responded to by the Herald representative. Mr Sutherland in response to the last toast, on behalf of townspeople thanked the Misses Laing for their hearty response at all times in assisting at local entertainments for local benefits. ‘ ‘ The Chairman * ’ was ably proposed by Mr Alf. Shadbolt, and responded to by the Mayor, whilst “ The Ladies ” was humourously proposed and responded to by Messrs J, Jillett and J. Frew respectively. OTHER ITEMS. On behalf of the Awahou Club, Mr Joe Jillett, in a brief speech, returned thanks to Mrs and the Misses Laing for many acts of kindness extended to the Club’s members. During the evening the following vocal items were rendered, all receiving much applause : —“ Island of Ereams,” “Phoebe,” Mrs J. Currie; “The Song that will live for Ever,” and “Oh For a Sail in a Puffing Breze,” Mr Quick ; “A Little Boy in Blue,” Master J. Currie; “Rachael,” “ High Born Lady,” and “ White Man working for Me,” Mr E. G. Sutherland; “Inquisitive Kid,” Mr L. Edwards. The happy party broke up with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” “ God Save The King,” cheers for members of the Laing Family, the Mayor and Mayoress. The Illuminated address to be presented is in the hands of Mr Elliott, drawing master of the Palmerston North High School, who hold a great reputation for similar work. Surrounding the address are two views of Foxton, and when completed it will be signed by His Worship the Mayor and placed, on view in Mr J. Thompson's window.