VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 488, 2 October 1909, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

A complimentary farewell smoke concert was tendered Mr O. E. Austin, who is leaving Foxton to take up his residence in Waihoiu Auckland, hy the citizens of Foxton, in Mr Perreau’s rooms on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance fully representative of the town and district. Mr B. G. Gower, ex-Mayor occupied the chair and on his right was seated the guest of the evening. The Chairman read apologies for absence from Messrs John Stevens aud James Symons who expressed the most kindly sentiments towards the guest. After Mr W. S. Stewart had said grace the following toast list was honoured: “The King,” proposed by the Chairman and accompanied by a verse of the National Anthem. In proposing the toast of “ Our Guest,” Mr A. D. Clemett said that there was no one in Foxton more worthy of a send-off than Mr Austin. He had proved himself a sterling citizen and by his departure Foxton was losing one of her best men. Wherever Mr‘Austin goes he will take with him the best wishes of the Foxton people. He referred to Mr Austin’s connection with sport, and read a letter from the Foxton Racing Club notifying that they had made him a life member of the Club. In wishing Mr and Mrs Austin prosperity in their new home he felt sure he was echoing the sentiments of the whole of the Foxton public. He asked Mr Austin to accept a solid silver tea and coffee service from the citizens of Foxton as a mark of the esteem in which he was held. The inscription on the service was “ Presented to Mr and Mrs Austin .by their friends on leaving Foxton, September 29th, 1909*” Messrs L,. W. Wilson, H. Coley, J. Hall, W. S. Stewart, B. G. Gower and C. Hunt also referred to Mr Austin’s assistance in different local affairs and expressed regret at his departure. Mr W. S. Stewart, secretary and treasurer of the Foxton Cricket Club, look the opportunity of presenting Mr Austin with a framed enlarged photo of the Foxton team, the winners of the oak and silver shield presented by him to the local Association. Mr Austin on rising to respond was received with prolonged applause. He feelingly returned lor the presents and assured those present that whenever be went he would always be pleased to hear from his old friends at Foxton. Now that it was near

the time for his departure he did not feel like going and leaving his IBfcKfriends behind. He would always treasure the presents that had been given to him that evem ing. Other toasts honoured were: “ Local Industries,” proposed by Dr Mandl, and responded to by Messrs A. Ross, H. Coley and T. Jones ; “The Visitors,” proposed by Mr ,E. Ball, responded to by Messrs Stevens and T. C. - Dunckley; “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr W. Stewart, responded to by Messrs G. Fowler, W. Gordon and Linley; “The Press,” proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr Whibley, • The proceeding which had been of a most congenial nature throughout, were brought to a close by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” and three hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Austin. " management of the smoke concept reflected great credit on the energetic secretary, Mr W. F. Gray and his committee. During ihe evening songs were contributed by Messrs Preston, Cook, Fowler, Hall and Linley. The accompaniments were played by Messrs Sass and Jenks.