FAREWELL TO WAIHI

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 58, 19 April 1912, Page 4

FAREWELL TO WAIHI

We had a great-finish at "Wailhi. meetings every other night in the last week. On tho-Thursday 1 made a risky experi- ; mont. At least it seemed one. in the. years gone by it waft paid I vvaff a very clever reciter, and I devoted a Jot of

time making myself an adept. I di L.Tiiiined to give an evening's entertainment all oil my own bat on the lines of twenty years ago. I never want a better audience, and though 1 cannot tliink that a collie dog barking at the wing is a useful help, in spite of such an interruption the evening went quickly and pleasantly, and in spite of the somewhat meagre look dc the programme : PROGRAMME. Character Sketch, "Zc Xombaire"; Ricital, "The .First Settler's Storr,"* Will Carlton; Recital, "The Enchanted Shirt," .John flay; Recital, "How llubenstcin Played," Adams. Interval: Ten Minutes. Recital, ".Mr. Montpelh'cr's Recitation,'" 'Turner; Recital, "Shipmates,"Overton; Character Sketch, "The Drama," Huntley. (Telling how a young woman from flic back-blocke went to see the play.) 'Though the idea was an entirely new one, we had a good audience in numbers, while the ,qimlit,y was superb. Every point was scored, and the applause, loud and long. Compliment! have been showered on mc, and I'lßf content lo know that for two hours I can hold an audience of young, old, and middle-aged. Oh, yes! Lest we forget! It was a financial success. . On Friday night we had a farewell social, when what "R. 8." calls my "very much better half" was presented! wit It a lovely brooch. On Sundiy we had meetings at Karangahake and Waihi, where 1 pointed out that of all the ]>eople who speak or write of present-day difficulties, Socialists are the only people who know tho way out. Wo should say this oftener: "Tho Socialists are the only people who have any intelligent idea of how to deal with present-day difficulties." It is so true that if we call attention to this truth we shall (jefe many to accept it. " 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear." I leave Waihi with many friendo thero whom 1 shall never forget, aim with a feeling that the good seed will bring forth an abundant harvest. 'Tiro agitators' lot, apart from the proud consciousness that our efforts are for the world's good, is none too easy. One of its hardships is the constant moving on, but one of its greatest compensations is to know that everywhere one leaves behind comrades who remember and watch you. "The divine love of comrades" is prohablv our greatest help and comfort. The'friends at Waihi, Karangahake.,, and Waikino will long be fixed in th* tablets of tho memories of my wif« and self.