COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 18819, 12 May 1920, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

MORTON MAINS. (From Our Own Correspondent). On the evening of April 30 the Morton Mains people entertained Mr and Mrs G. D. Johnston at. a farewell social and dance, which was held in the hail, there being a very large gathering. Mr Johnston has sold his farm and is leaving the district. Mr A. H. Shcat presided. A short musical programme was submitted, the following ladies contributing: Miss Caider, pianoforte selection ; Mrs Edio and Misses F. Drake, Allan (Invercargilli and Gordon, songs; Mrs Murdoch and Calder played the accompaniments. At. the conclusion of the concert the chairman asked the guests of the evening to step upon the stage, when they were greeted with loud applause. Mr Sheet said Mr Johnston had taken up his farm between thirteen and fourteen years ago from the company, and the majority of the audience fully understood what that meant, the condition of the land being just as the steam plough had left it. Fanning to-dey did not present the same difficulties as then. On behalf of the Morton Mains people, he asked Mr and Mrs Johnston’s acceptance of a suit case and lady’s leather handbag, as mementoes of the years they had spent in Morton Mains. Mr Horne referred to his long acquaintance with Mr Johnston and to Mrs Johnston’s hospitality, and recalled incidents reminiscent of Mr Johnston’s bachelor days, which provoked great merriment. He wished Mr and Mrs Johnston and family long life and happiness. “For they are jolly good fellows” was then sung. ' Cheers being given for Mr and Mrs Johnston. Mr Johnston replied on behalf of Mrs Johnston and himself in appreciative terms of what had been said, and thanked all for their handsome presents. Supper was then dispensed, after which the hall was cleared for dancing, the music for which was supplied by Messrs Drake and Murdoch (violins) and Mesdames Fairbairn and Murdoch and Miss Caldei (piano). Mr J. Calder acted as M.C. At an interval Mr J. Barrett contributed a song. Mr G. Fergie proposed the usual votes of thanks. The gathering was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr and Mrs Johnston purpose visiting Australia.