AKARANA SOCIAL GATHERING AND SUPPER.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 362, 24 April 1889, Page 3

AKARANA SOCIAL GATHERING AND SUPPER.

Ox Friday evening, April sth, a number of Auckland boys met at the Palace Hotel, Bomke-street, for a re-union, and a vety enjoyable evening was spent. Close on 100 pakeha-Maoris sat down to a well-prepared pupper, to which they all did ample justice, and which brought back to memory to not a few the many similar gatherings they had taken part in after a football match in Auckland. . Dr. Leger Erson occupied the chair, and was supported on the right and left by the promoteis of the gathering, Mr Fred Allen, J. Cosson, and P. Listen. The vice-chair was occupied by Mr S. Coombes. After supper thefollowing toasts were given, received, and responded to with enthusiasm and vigour : " The Queen," by the Chairman and " Success and Prosperity to New Zealand." In proposing the latter toast, the Chairman dwclfc upon the glorious climate of that colony, the fertile resources, grandeur of tho scenery, the causes of past depression, and the signs of returning prosperity, while the presence of so many nathe-born New Zealanders was referred to as an incentive to the formation of a New Zealand Natives' Association, as a kindred organisation to the Australian Natives' Association now flourishing in Victoria. The Chairman also ■ eloquently referred to the coming federation of the Australian colonies. ,"The health of the Maori Football Team " was then proposed by J. Cosson, whose death irom typhoid fever in Melbourne had, strange to say, gone the round of the Auckland papers. To show, however, that lie was alive and as strong as ever, he was prepared to co-operate with the other footballers present to organise a New Zealand team to meet the Maoris when they arrived. Mr J. Cosson gave a song well known to footbcallers, < by . M. \V. Seeler, "On the Ball." Mr George Smart then replied on behalf of the Maoris, and referred to their successful trip, their brilliant recoid, and felt sure that every New Zealander would welcome them with pride and admiration, and he proposed that they should be met there (in Melbourne) first by their own countrymen; both in the field and sociall}'. " The Ladies-"' (New Zealand) were then favoured with a boast, which was efficiently proposed by Mr Ashworth and responded bo by Mr Kiilop. Mr Short and Dr. L, Erson each gave a song. "Success to the South Sea Islands and New Zealand Exhibition " was proposed by Mr Lorrigan and replied to by Mr Short. Songs by Mr Liecener, Mr -St. Claii • and Mr Lorrigan. ''Welcome to the Earl of Onslow," by Mr Edwards, was then proposed in complimentary terms and three cheers were- given for the Earl, who arrived that day in Melbourne. "Our New Home " was proposed by Mr S. Coombes ; .song, Dr. L. Erson : reading, Mr Blandford; song, Mr Fred Allen; concertina so'o, Mr Cosson : piano solo, Mr Ashworth. A -vote of thanks to the Chairman brought a most enjoyable evening to a close about midnight. s v