SMOKE CONCERT AND PRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1038, 2 September 1911, Page 3

SMOKE CONCERT AND PRESENTATION.

A smoke concert and presentation were tendered to Guard Gavey in Mr Perreau’s tea-rooms last night. The affair was organised by Mr Gavey’s co-workers ou the railway who felt that they could not allow him to depart without showing in some tangible way the high esteem in which he is held by them. It is unfortunate that the business people and general public were not asked to cooperate in the function because Mr Gavey stands high in their estimation. His obliging and tactful manner to the travelling public earned for him high encomiums and there will be a certain amount of disappointment at not being invited to his sendoff. Anyhow, Mr Gavey can take this assurance from us that the general public who came in contact with him in his official capacity will ever remember him as a first-class public official and wish him success in the future. Mr T. Henderson presided and after explaining the object of the gathering and welcoming the guest, invited those present to “fall to.’’ Ample justice was done to the good things provided by host Perreau. The following toasts were duly honoured: “The King,” “ The Railway Department,” proposed by Mr Hornblow and responded to by Mr Nicholson, “The Guest ot the Evening,” proposed by the Chairman who referred to the many good qualities of Mr Gavey. He said his fellow workers, while appreciating the promotion that had come Mr Gavey's way regretted his departure from Foxtou. They desired that Mr Gavey should carry away with him some token of tueir esteem but were not unanimous as to what form the presentation should take, so it was decided to hand him a purse of sovereigns, contributed conjointly by the public and railway staff. Mr Gavey’s health was then drunk in bumpers and with musical honours, Mr Gavey feelingly responded and said he had tried to carry out his duty conscientiously. Other toasts honoured were “ The Ladies,” by Mr White ; the “ Press,” by Mr Perreau, and responded to by Mr Whibley ; the “ Chairman,” Mr H. Poad ; “ Host and Hostess,” the Chairman and Mr Perreau. The proceedings closed with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” During the evening items were rendered by Messrs Woods, Hornblow, B. Hooker, Poad, T. Henderson, B. Bowden, Baird, Bayliss and Quin. Mr Robson presided at the piano.