NOTES FROM SEDDON.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 30, 12 April 1907, Page 5

NOTES FROM SEDDON.

(From our own Correspondent).

One of the largest socials ever held in Seddon eventuated last Friday night, when some two hundred and fifty settlers and others assembled in the Town Hall to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs R, Hay and family, who leave here in a few days for Hastings, Mrs Hay being one of the successful applicants in the Mangatahi ballot. Mr Hay was one of the first to make his home in Seddon, and has ever since taken a leading part in educational and social functions; until lately he was Chairman of the School Committee, and his loss on that body will be deeply regretted. The Rev. W. Finlay son (who succeeds Mr Hay as Chairman of the School Committee) presided, and after a few songs had been sung Mr Humphreys (Teacher at Seddon) presented Mr Hay, on behalf of the combined schools (four in number), with a handsome marble clock, suitably engraved; in doing so Mr Humphreys spoke in the highest terms, and said both teacher and children were losing a good friend. Mr Hay, in responding, said he felt deeply affected By the children’s kindness, and that the gift had come as a great surprise to him. Speaking of Seddon’s history, Mr Hay brought back to memory the old woolshed that acted as a social hall, and the great progress Seddon has made within the last few years. In conclusion he said that he and his family would long cherish happy memories of their long connection with Seddon.

Later in the evening another surprise awaited Mr Hay. Mr Armstrong, on behalf of the residents, presented him with a purse of sovereigns, and said it was the wish of the donors that something should be bought with a portion of its contents which would serve to keep in remembrance the givers. Referring to the past, Mr Armstrong said Mr Hay was always foremost, both socially and otherwise. ( jThe recipient, on rising, was cheered, and the company broke out with; “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” This goodwill so affected Mr Hay thaHt took him a few minutes to reply. He said that whatever was bought with the money it should carry the name Seddon, and would always have a prominent place in his house or farm. The following items were rendered : “ Come back to Erin,” Miss K. Daly; “ Listening,” Miss Humphreys ; “ Alice, where art thou,” Miss Barns; “Don’t forget old Ireland,” Miss Daly; “In the Hazel Dell,” Miss Masters; “My old Kentucky home,” Mr Masters; “Shifted,” Mr Boyle. Mr J. Rogerson acted as M.O. for the dance, and Mr Vannini and Miss McCabe supplied the music. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated a most enjoyable gathering. Dancing was kept up until 4 a.m. Bth April. Later. I have to report a serious accident. Mr and Mrs Fissenden, sen., were driving home last Saturday evening, after returning from Blenheim, and when descending McGrath’s Hill the strap that supports the. swingle-tree broke, allowing the tree to fall on the horse’s heels. The horse bolted, and the trap capsized, throwing the occupants with terrible force to the ground. Mr Fissenden received a very deep cut above the eye from a bundle of ploughshares he had in the trap, necessitating five stitches. Mrs Fissenden is now lying in a critical condition at Mr George Herd’s, having received a heavy blow on the head, causing concussion of the brain. Dr Volckman is attending the patients. Many kind friends are giving all assistance possible. Great interest has been taken by the farming community in the decision of the Minister of Lauds re the transfer between one of the Flaxbourne selectors aad Mr Frank Sharpe. The whole of the trouble, in the opinion of many about here, was the difference between the valuation of the Crown Lands Ranger and the price offered by Mr Sharpe.