FORTY YEARS AGO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2293, 23 June 1921, Page 2

FORTY YEARS AGO.

(From the “Manawatu Herald,” June 24th, 1881.)

. MR, SAUNDERS’ BALL—A grand ball was given by Mr Joseph Saunders at Foxton Public Hall on Wednesday evening, to celebrate the completion of his contract for the new wharf and railway station. A large number of invitations were sent to the principal residents throughout the country and all parts of the district were represented. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags, evergreens, pictures and drapery, and wore a festive appearance quite unprecedented in its history, the decorations being the subject of general admiration. About 65 couples were present, and dancing was kept up with great spirit until an early hour yesterday morning. The music was provided by a band from Wellington, and comprised piano, violin and cornet. Refreshments were provided on a most liberal scale, and were of the choicest character, the catering having been undertaken by Host Whyte. During a temporary cessation of the dancing, Mr Thyune, who made a most efficient M.C., in a neat and appropriate speech, proposed the health of Mr and Airs Saunders, making reference not only to Air Saunders’ business capacity and the successful manner in which he had completed his contract, but also to his many sterling qualities as a private citizen. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and was followed by “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” with three times three each for Air, Mrs and Miss Saunders. In a few well chosen remarks, Air Saunders replied, thanking those present for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received. He referred to the hospitality and good feeling shown him by all the residents of Foxton with whom he had come.in contact, and especially to t lie cordial manner in which the Public Works officials had acted with himself and his employees. He paid a tribute to the able superintendence of Messrs Jay and Goodfellow, through whose management the contract had so successfully been completed, and concluded by expressing a hope that when the construction of the much-talked-of west coast railway was started lie would once more be found amongst the people of Foxton. T, P. Williams, general Storekeeper (opposite Bank of N.Z.), advertises goods for sale at the following prices : — Tobacco 5s per lb., flour 10s !)d per 100 lbs., tea in half chests Is 7Jd, Is od, and 2s per lb., candles 103 d per lb.* jam 7s per dozen, soap 5d per bar, Creases coffee Is sd, mat (dies (id per dozen, tweed hats 2s each, trousers 6s lid per pair, strong shirts 2s each, sox s id to Is (id per pair, towels 5s 6d per doz., shawls Ss Od, blankets 10s (id per pair, grey calico -!d per yard, do white 4Ad, E. Osborne, of the Ready Aloney Store, advertises sugar at 14s Oil per bag. or 4-Ad per lb., yellow sugar id, men’s tweed trousers and vests 10s 6d, men’s good overcoats 255, men’s sox (id per pair, ladies' corsets Is 6d per pair, sheeting Is 2d per yard, good heavy flannel Is Id per yard. James Maeara, proprietor of Cobh and Co.’s Telegraph Line of Coaches, advertises reduction of fares between Wellington and Foxton, single £1 10s, return (available for one month) £2 10s.