NGAERE NOTES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 21, 17 September 1912, Page 5

NGAERE NOTES.

VALEDICTORY TO MR. AND MRS ROBERTSON.

(From Our Own CorreEJondonbO

No bettor evidence of the popularity of our lute factory manager and ins wife (Mr. and Mrs. Robertson) could have been forthcoming, than tlie large and representative gathering of Ngaere residents which assembled at the local hull last Friday night to participate in the farewell social held in their Honour. Not for years has there been such a reunion of old mends auu acquaintances, and the building was taxed to, its utmost capacity. The library was also requisitioned to accommodate the crowd, the hall itself was at the disposal of those with inclination for dancing, and for others who derived pleasure from looking on, whilst the libary was reserved for cribbage enthusiasts. All present amused themselves in diverse ways until 10 o’clock or thereabouts, when the important part of the evening’s programme—to wit, the presentations to the guests, was proceeded with. Mr Hardy-Jones was the first speaker called upon, and was followed in succession by Messrs. J. Tnomas, ■sen., Fryday, and T. Coleman. All the speakers eulogised the many excellent qualities of the guests, and spoke ot the ability displayed by Mr. Robertson in bis management of the Ngaere ractory, during the period of eight years he had control of it. Reference was also made to the cordial relations that had always existed between the suppliers and our late manager, and the large amount of tact exercised by him in the discharge of his duties. Mr. v\. Morrison, chairman of directors, in a few well-chosen words, thou presented Mr. Robertson with a gold albert, chain and pendant, suitably inscribed, and also with a barometer, on behalf of the suppliers and others. Mrs. Robertson was the recipient of a lovely gold watch. “For they are Jolly Good Follows” was then sung, at the conclusion of which rousing cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Robertson. Mr. Robertson then briefly responded, expressing his keen appreciation of the valuable presents bestowed upon himself and his wife, and also for the many kind remarks made concerning thorn. On request, our now manager (Mr. Falconer) then gave a short speech, returning thanks for his appointment. Supper, supplied in the customary liberal fashion by the Ngaere ladies, was then handed round, after which dancing and cards were resumed until the early hours of the morning. During the evening the dancing was interspersed with songs contributed by Messrs. Hamilton, Bailey and Coleman, which, being rendered in capital style, were much enjoyed by the audience. Miss Keppel played the accompaniments. Lovers of the light fantastic tread are greatly indebted to Misses Keppel and Knox, and Messrs. Parker, Walsh Bros., and G. Coleman for gratuitously supplying the dance music. Mr. Neal Coleman was Master of Ceremonies, and carried out his.duties in a very creditable manner. The evening will long he remembered as one of the most sociable ever held in our little township.