Farewell to Mr Stanley Brown.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4445, 5 August 1909, Page 3

Farewell to Mr Stanley Brown.

As we mentioned in our issue, a farewell was tendered to Mr Stanley Brown in the Grand Hotel. The arrangements in connection with the leave-taking were of a somewhat hurried nature, as it was not known till the previous evening that Mr Brown had definitely decided to leave the district on the Saturday following. It is some fifteen years since Mr Brown first arrived here, during which period he made many friends but few enemies. The catering was entrusted to Mr J. McSweeney, and the way in which the tables were arranged with dainty edibles and the choicest wines proved that the confidence in him had not been misplaced. Notwithstanding the shortness of the notice, settlers were present from far and near, about 35 being in attendance. Doubtless had time permitted of the leave-taking being properly made known hundreds would have been present. The chair was taken by Mr John Eowe. who ably performed the duties appertaining to that office. The proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem.

During the evening the following toasts were drunk with musical honors :—“ The health of Mr' Stanley Brown, coupled with best wishes for the future happiness and welfare of his wife, his family and himself.” This toast was proposed by Mr Thos. Mclndoe, who referred to the many good and sterling qualities of Mr Brown. Dr. Kenny, Messrs W. Mace, T. Bellamy, Keuheu I’arr, J. Fitzgerald, and Brodie also referred to the excellent character of the guest of the evening. Mr Brown feelingly responded in a neat little speech, referring to the true and staunch friends he had in the district. He trusted his Te Aroha friends would look him up should any of them be on a visit to Auckland. The other toasts honored were “ Local Institutions,” “ The Press,” and “ The Host and Hostess.”

During the evening the various speeches were interspersed with songs. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” terminated the proceedings.