Complimentary Social.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43115, 9 July 1907, Page 2

Complimentary Social.

(Our Own Coirespondent.) The complimentary social, tendered to Mr and Mrs Hinton and family as a token of esteem on their departure from this district, which was held on Thursday night last was a great success. The Phoenix Hall was prettily decorated with ferns, flags, etc., the football dub’s banner being in a prominent position, Mr Hinton always being a keen supporter of the game. Mr and Mrs Marshall very creditably filled the position of host and hostess, Mr Marshall keeping a steady eye on the watch when the speakers appeared to be overrunning their allotted time. Shortly after eight o’clock the guests were escorted to seats on the stage, and Mr Marshall extended a hearty welcome to them and expressed the wish that they would have a prosperous and happy future, and exhorted the younger members of the family to follow in the footsteps of their father and they would always merit the greatest qualification of all, the name of an honest man. The Chairman’s remarks were loudly applauded. Mr Mackenzie’s topical song, “ Jimmy Digovan’s Mule.” put the audience into a laughing mood, then followed a dance, the hall being taxed to the utmost to accomodate the dancers.

A speech by Mr Campbell was the next item. He spoke of the hearty manner in which Mr Hinton had alwayy assisted with sports and the high spirited manner he found he always displayed, especially when he was connected with the football club, and he considered it would be a good thing if the present players followed his example. A song by Miss Lavery was nicely rendered, then a speech from Mr Manuel, who testified of the many good qualities he had found in Mr Hinton as a neighbour, in fact Mr Manuel seemed to think the time allotted only too short to do justice to the subject- A song from Mr Love which was rendered in his usual popular style, and a Scottish song by Mr Fleming gladdened the hearts of those present from the land of the thistle. Mr Spargo in a neat speech endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and mentioned the help he had always received from Mr Hinton when connected with the Piako Rugby Union. Mr Love excelled himself in next item, “ The Song that reached my Heart,” being loudly applauded on concluding. The item of the evening was the pre sentation of a purse of sovereigns to Mr Hinton by Mr H. Clifford, who ex pressed the regret of not only the inhabitants of Morrinsvilie but of the whole district, and expressed the hope that they would at least remain on this side of the Waikato river, for many a year to come, and hoped the gathering that evening would be a pleasant memory of their departure from Morrinsvilie, and on behalf of the subscribers he asked vlr Hinton to accept the pocket ease and contents as a token of their good wishes for their future happiness. Three hearty cheers were given on the conclusion of Mr Clifford’s remarks. A duet by Mr and Miss Snell (Country Courtship) in costume was well received. Mr Hinton on rising to reply, appeared deeply moved, and the audience at once sang the well-known refrain “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Mr Hinton thanked them most heartily for the many kind remarks and said he and Mrs Hinton and family would cheiish the present which he had just received as one of the brightest spots in their lives, he congratulated the settlers on their choice of Lockabie. and regretted that he was unable to be one of them and again thanked them for their efforts on his behalf. (Applause). Mr Mackenzie’s favourite song ‘ ‘ Down in Alabama ” was the next item, and re-' ceivecl well-merited applause. Mr W. C, Pibkett then spoke of the loss to the School Committee the departure of Mr Hinton and family would occasion, Mr Hinton always having been an active member of the School Committee. After a dance, supper was partaken of the refreshments were both excellent and various, and great credit is due to those ladies who had charge of the arrangements and to whose efforts in decorating and otherwise assisting, a great measure of the success is due.

The ladies comprising the committee were Mesdames Davenport, Marshall, Seville, and Layne. After supper a dance programme was gone on with, dancing being continued >vith spirit until shortly after 2 a.m, excellent music being supplied by the Te Aroha Trio Messrs Campbell and Hickey carryiny out the duties of M. C’s. in an wffecieut manner.

Those who did not dance adjourned to the Council Chambers at tho conclusion of the first part of the programme, where the guests’ health was enthusiastically drank, and a few pleasant hours were passed.

The whole function was undoubtedly was the most successful ever held in the district, and the committee are to be complimented on the splendid arrangements. Thanks are due to those ladies and gentlemen who assisted with songs and to Mrs Campbell and Misses Stewart and Faes who played the accompaniments.

Apologies were received from Messrs Chepnell, Watts, Brayshow, Dr. Seville and others who were unable to be present.