COMPLIMENTARY BALL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 145, 10 March 1874, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY BALL.

The arrangements which have been in progress for some days, for the purpose of providing means by which the settlers could testify their kindly feelings towards Captain and Mrs. Richardson, prior to their departure for the Wairoa, culminated on Friday night last in a most successful and well appointed Ball and Supper at the Masonic Hotel. About 70 town and country settlers attended to do the honors of a farewell leave, and we were glad to see that the usual preponderance of the numbers of one sex over the other, was not observable. As ona previous occasion, the ball was held upstairs in what is to be the billiard room, while supper was laid out in the dining hall below, in hoet Caulton’s best style, and the suites of apartments throughout the building were variously placed at the service of the dancers, which, with the balcony as a promenade, enhanced alike the comfort of the company and their enjoyment of the entertainment. We regretted to find one of the seats of honor empty at the supper table, — Mrs. Richardson being too ill to attend. We envied the “ Conquering Hero ” of the night, who seated on Dr. Nesbitt’s right hand at

the head of the (upper table, felt, we are sure, a proud and happy man in having the Ming extracted from his leave-taking by a body of about 40 pretty looking women, radiant with smiles and joyousness. Mr. A. F. Hardy was deputed to the task of “ toasting” the gallant guest, who in a few touching remarks alluded to the uniform urbanity which had characterized Captain Richardson’* bearing towards all classes of the community during his residence in the Bay ; and he felt he was but expressing the feelings of all present in saying that they were parting with their guest with great regret. Mr. Hardy then presented Captain Richardson with the following address, written on parchment, and illuminated by Mr. Atcherley in a very tasteful and artistic mann r Gisborne, Poverty Pay, N.Z., March, 1874. To W. A. Richardson, Esq., Sub-Inspector A.C. Force, N.Z. Sir, — We, the undersigned, upon your promotion to the command of another district, beg most sincerely and cordially to express our high and grateful appreciation of your services during your residence, amongst us. We unite in testifying to the urbanity and kindly feeling displayed by you upon all occasions; to your unvaried attention to all duties connected with your position; and to your evident desire to promote by all means that lay in your power the welfare of this district.

We further wish to express our kindly feeling towards yourself and family; and earnestly hope that, in whatever sphere of duty you may be called upon to act, you and they may meet with the happiness and prosperity which we unanimously consider to be your and their due. (Here follow the signatures of a large number of settlers J

Mr. Hardy said it only now remained for ’him to propose the health of “Captain and Mrs. Richardson,” which was responded to with lasting enthusiasm the usual honors accompanying the toast, to the echos of “ Three time Three,” and the ladies heartily joining in with their musical opinion that Captain Richardson was “ A Jolly Good Fellow.” Captain Richardson shortly replied. He said his feelings must be his apology for not beingable to do justice to the sentiments of kindness that night evinced towards himself and family. The demonstration was unexpected ; but although the parting might be severe, he should be supported in the performance of his duty while far away, in the remembrance that it was rendered less so by the presence of so many friends. He felt grateful for the address, and it would be his duty to merit the good opinions of him expressed in it. Sirs. Richardson, he knew, would regret not being present to share in his happiness, and he sincerely thanked the company for their expressions of kindness towards her. Several toasts followed amidst the popping of Champagne corks, —Captain Gudgeon’s health being amongst the number—and on the gentlemen rejoining the ladies in the ball room dancing was kept up until after 5 o’clock. Messrs. Corbett and Atcherley provided the music which was excellent throughout.