THE RE-LAYING GANG.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 35, 6 February 1912, Page 3

THE RE-LAYING GANG.

TAKE THEIR FAREWELL OF THE TOKO LINE. A SMOKE CONCERT. The re-laying gang, who for some'' months past have been at work potting down heavier rails on the Toko branch line, received orders to proceed to Ashhurst on Saturday last. During the latter part of their work, the gang have been camped at the Douglas and. Huiroa stations where all the members had become so popular that at a meeting of the settlers it was’decided to tender them a public farewell, which took the form of- a smoke concert on Friday evening, in the Douglas Hall. The gathering was a representative one, over fifty being present, including settlors from all parts of the district.

Mr E. J. Graham was elected to the chair, and opened the proceedings with the usual toast to the King. . This was followed by a song by Mr F. Webb. The health of the Huiroa settlers was proposed by Air A. Walters, who spoke of the good 'feeling that had at all times existed between the settlers of Douglas and Huiroa, and the willingness with which their friends from Huiroa had come foV some miles round to hell) 1° make the evening at Douglas' a success. So he proposed success to Huiroa, coupled with the name of Mr W. Knight. Air A 7 etton gave a song. Air Knight, in reply, said that the settlers of Huiroa would bo sorry to part with the re-laying gang, as throughout their stay in the district they had proved themselves to be firstrate fellows.

A musical item, violin and piano, was rendered by Alessrs Aloulson Bros. This was so well rendered that throughout the evening there were frequent calls for them to return, in response to which they tieated the company to several selections which were well received J The health l of the Stratford County Council was proposed by Mr F. Chapman. He spoke of the many improvements in roads and bridges that he had seen since he first ■ came to’ the district, now more than twenty years ago, and as much of'it was due to the efforts of the County Council he had much pleasure in proposing the toast, coupled'with the name of the popular member for the riding, 'Mr E. Walters. ' -■ ' ;• ‘ ■ . Song: Air Dempsey.-

Air E. Ayhltefs,' in' reply, said J-hat it was the first [time that as a •member of; the, Council he had been called a -“Tolly G.bod.;' ■Eejlpw.” •C.oup'qiliprp. AVO're ’ generally./ip/h.dfj * jvater, but ho llhl bis j best,' : and/h(v 1 , that, The - settlers . knew ’'that 'he*'did his best/ only they wore not going to let him get into an easy-going way by telling him so (too .often. It gave'dilm ’ihuclC pleasure to be present that evening' and to express his good wishes to the departing relaying gang, ' whom he had found to be amongst the tbougbtfulj and rqady at all*times to assist in the pleasures of others. , Songs; Messrs Houghton, Dempsey, hnd Yetton.

Air H. Wilmshnrst proposed the health of the settlers of Gordon Road, whom he was pleased to see present that evening. This was coupled with the name of Mr Bredow.

Songs: Rev. Houchon, Alessrs Yetlon and Dempsey. Air Bredow suitably replied to the toast.

By invitation Rev. Honehen addressed a few words to the gathering. He said that it gave him much pleasure :o spend such a sociable evening among men. Ho was one of the rebuyers himself, as he was doing his best to help to relay and keep in repair good straight lines for all to •un on. (Loud applause.) Air F. AVcbb proposed the toast of die New Zealand Railways, and spoke )f the big help the settlers received is soon as put in touch with the •ailway service. This toast was ,‘onpled with the names of Alessrs Kilpatrick and Alughtra. Songs: Alessrs Dempsey, AVilmsairst and Rev. Honchen.

Air Kilpatrick, in reply, said that ho traffic on the Toko branch line was p.creasing so fast that it might not >e long before they would b" reqnirA to put clown 7011) rails, and he hopjd that the same gang would return o do the work.

Air Alughtra spoke of the many imorovements both in the permanent ,vay and rolling stock, that the Railway Department had made in the last : ew years. AVhon the Toko branch ,vas first started, it was tliought that i tramway was all that would be roinirocl.

Songs: Alessrs AVebb, Yetton, Houghton and Dempsey. The toast of the guests of the evening was proposed by the chairman, who spoke in terms of the highest apwociation of all the members of the ••claying gang. He thought that if

ihoro were more of tliese social evenings in which men of all lines of business and industry came together, they would understand each other bettor, mcl there would he fewer strikes and labour troubles. He asked all present to join in honouring the toast of Our Guests, coupled with the names of Messrs Corbett and Dempsey.

Musical item; Alessrs Moulour brothers. Air Corbett -thanked the settlors for the many kindnesses they had Showed the men of the relaying party, both in Douglas and Huiroa. Air Denipsoy said that there had been so much said about the railway men that evening that it left nothing for him to add, but be felt pleased that the relayers were taking withthem so many good wishes.

The health of the ladies was proposed by Mr Tomlin and replied to by Air Moulour. Three cheers wore given for Airs Walters, who had so kindly prepared the supper,

Air Houghton expressed the good wishes of the Huiroa sawmillers.

Towards; the close of the evening the selection of the singers was left in the bands of the company. At first some of those called upon said that they were unable to sing, but it soon became evident that no excuse would bo taken, so in response to calls items were given by Alessrs A. Walters, Floyd, Kilpatrick) Alughtra, E. AValters, Bredow and the chairman. Air Bredow, .junior, kindly presided at the piano. , • 5.

The Rev. Houghton proposed a vote of thanks to.tl.ie chair, after which the singing of Auld Lang, Syne by all present brough, a very pleasant evening to a close.