VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 17 July 1909, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

** Avery .pleasant social gatherini took place in Mr M, Perreau’s tez rooms, last night. The fuuctioi was arranged by the. President and held under the auspices of tin local Horticultural Society, to bic good bye to Mr Rae-Howard, the late secretary, and to present him with a purse of sovereigns subscri- , bed by members and the public. • Despite the unfavourable night, the tables were fully occupied by ladies and gentlemen. The Mayoi (G. H. Stiles Esq.) presided, and near at hand were seated the guest of the evening, and Mrs Rae-Howard. In proposing the toast of the guest, the Mayor referred to Mr Rae- Howard’s publicspiriteduess and his connection with'the Chamber of Commerce, Horticultural Society, and election to a seat on the Borough Council. On behalf of the townspeople he was pleased to convey to Mr and Mrs Rae-Howard the esteem in which they were held, and to wish them success in their new place of residence. He hoped that they would re-visit Foxton at a future date,-—ln replying to the toast, Mr -• Howard said that whatever he had done for Foxton had been a •pleasure. He would always take a keen interest in its welfare, and hoped, when he re-visited it, to see the water and drainage scheme an established fact.’ 'He thanked the . Mayor for the kind expressions. Mr Hornblow proposed the toast of the Horticultural Society, which ' was responded to by Mrs Stewart and Mr Speirs (President). At a later stage the President, on behalf of the Society and townspeople, presented Mr Rae-Howard with .a purse of sovereigns as- a memento from the friends he was leaving behind. Mr Rae-Howard feelingly'acknowledged the gift, and the sentiments which prompted it. He felt sure that the Society woiild in’ the future be a’ flourishing institution. . The Rev. Mr Aitken proposed the'toast of “the ladies,” to which Mrs Rae-Howard responded very feelingly. The proceedings terminated by the singing of Anld Lang Syne, and cheers and good wishes for Mr and Mrs RaeHoward and family. During the evening songs were contributed by the Misses. Symons ; (2), Mr A. Jehks, pianoforte selection by Miss Jeaks, recitation by Mr Hornblow, instrumental items by .Mis and the Misses Symons, and phonographic selections by Master Harold Hamer. A very pleasant social evening was held at the Presbyterian Manse on. Thursday evening last. The' members of ■ the choir met to say good bye to Mr and Mrs RaeHoward, who have been members of the choir for some time. A most enjoyable time was spent. Pianoforte selections were rendered by, the Misses Doull, Furrie, and Speirs, and vocal-items by Misses Dean, Blake and Aitken, Mrs Rae-Howard, and; Messrs Wrigley -and ® ; humourous . * Variofe: games were indulged in, and the* evening was brought to a close by- : the singing ,of Auld Lang Syne. During the evening Mr Aitken ’ expressed/the choir’s regret at the departure of Mr and Mrs RaeHoward, and wished them success; in the new undertaking they had ; before them. • • Mr Rae-Howard suitably responded.