VALEDICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 96, 23 December 1914, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

Last evening the members of the Taihape Fire Brigade,, with their friends, gathered in force, at the Brigade Station to farewell Mr lan Mackay who is about to leave for Wellington. Mr S. Behan, senior councillor, presided, and a lengthy toast list was interspersed with music, song, and story. The chairman, who was entrusted with the toast of “Our Guest,” made eulogistic references to Mr Mackay, and his social and literary capabilities. The speaker voiced the regret of those present at Mr Mackaiy’s departure, and 'with beat ■wishes for a happy and prosperous future, handed Mr Mackay a travelling case to mark the esteem in which he was held by the Fire Brigade members. Captain Cribb and Mr H. H. Scott spoke in similar strain, and, after the toast had been enthusiastically honoured, Mr Mackay thanked the Brigadesmen and their friends for their kind words and the gift which accompanied them. His sojourn in Taihape had been a pleasant one and in departing he was doing so with much regret. He had been pleased to assist the Brigade in his literary capacity and hoped it would continue to be a body which worked for the general good and not for self' glorification. Other toasts honoured were: —“The King”; “The Taihape Fire Brigade,” Or. S. Behan, Captain C. Cribb; “Kindred Sports,” Mr J. Evans. Lieut. S. Reid; “Honorary Members of the Fire Brigade,” Mr H. H. Scott, Captain Cribb; “The Visitors,” Branchman J. Mortland, Mr P. Kearins; “The Ladies,” Mr F. Cody, Mr J. Wilson; “The Press,” Mr J. Evans, Mr IT. R. Hill, and the Chairman. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs Green, Mackay, B. Draper.:, Mclnteer, F-. Oody, W.