PRESENTATION AND SMOKE CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2562, 3 April 1923, Page 2

PRESENTATION AND SMOKE CONCERT.

On Thursday night the Foxton Fire Brigade ail'd Rifle Club combined and gave Mr 11. Frankland a smoke concert in Perreau’s tearooms. The room was tastefully decorated and the table presented an appearance that would meet with the approval of the most fastidious epicure. The Mayor, Mr J. Chrvstall, presided and various local bodies were represented. The fire brigade uniforms were much in evidence and altogether the room presented a very animated appearance.

After justice had been done to the good things provided, the Mayor, in a. few remarks, proposed the toast of (he King. “The Guest” was next toast, proposed by Messrs Head (for the Rifle Club) and Superintendent McDcrmid. Mr Head said that all were well aware of (lie good qualities of the departing guest. He had been a keen member of the Rifle Club, and had always done more than his share, willingly an'd well. His departure from Foxton would be a great loss to the Hub. However, what was one club’s loss would be another’s gain, for he felt sure that Mr Frankland could not leave rifle shooting alone, and would join one of the Wellington clubs. He had recently made a name for himself in shooting, just missing being included in the “King’s Fifty” by a bit of bad luck. He was sure Mr Frankland’s name would figure among the leading shots of the Dominion before long. In conclusion, ho wished the guest every success in his future life, and had great pleasure in presenting him with a Morocco tobacco pouch as a. small token of the esteem in which he was held by the Rifle Club.

Superintendent McDermid said that he had known Mr Frankland ever since he took up his residence in Foxton, and he had been one of the most prominent and keenest members of the Fire Brigade. In'fact he did not know what (hey would do without him; he had been the “life” of the brigade. He had at all times been a member to be looked up to. In conclusion bo presented Mr Frankland with a case of pipes on behalf of the brigade. Mr Frankland said he deeply appreciated the kill'd remarks made by the previous speakers, and was very grateful for the send-off they had arranged for him. He had been interested in the fire brigade and rifle club. lie had been a member of the former since its inception in 1920, when he had been elected secretary, and had maintained that position for a long time. On the formation of the Fire Board, he had been elected secretary to that body. He had been only too willing to do the work, and bad had tlie work of the, brigade at heart. As regards the Rifle Club, he had beeu a member of that body for four years. He had been a keen member and had enjoyed the shoooting. It had been a very great pleasure to do all lie could for the Club. It was one of the best sports he knew. He had also been secretary to that Club for a long time. His reasons for going away were purely business reasons. He was very sorry indeed lo leave Foxton. He bad lived here oil aud on since 1904, and had made a large number ol' friends whom he was sorry to leave. He thanked those present for their expressions of good will. They had given him a very fine send-off and one that he would remember for all time.

Deputy Aa i trass then proposed the toast of “the Fire Board and Kindred Bodies,” and touched on the good work done by the local Chamber of Commerce, Borough Council, and Beautifying Society. The Mayor replied and thanked Deputy Aaltrass for his very complimentary remarks on kindred bodies. lie also thanked the clubs for the invitation to preside at the concert. It was only fitting to give their departing secretary a send-off. He also refei red to the good work done by the brigade. The Fire Board had been somewhat dilatory and there had been some difficulty over the raising ol the loan, which was unsuccessful until taken charge «f by (he local members of the Board. Good progress was being made with the tire station but he still held that the Municipal Chambers would give it a “close go. Mr Smith outlined the work of the brigade and in conclusion wished Mr Frankland success.

Foreman Hamer proposed the toast of “the Ladies,” and Mr Admore suitably replied. Mr John Ross said that hoxton was losing a good citizen. Mr Frankland was a clean-living man, and was popular, and that was saying a lot. He was someone to be looked up to. He was sorry the guest was leaving the district. Messrs Perreau, Pearson and Admore also paid high tributes to Mr Frankland.

During the evening vocal items were given by Messrs Head, Hinds, and Brebner and banjo selections by Mr Tongs. “Aulde Lange Syne” brought to a close a very enjoyable evening.