DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 139, 21 September 1910, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TARIKI. On the loth inst. a large number of residents of Tariki and surrounding district met at the invitation of Mr. T. Sims, the proprietor, to celebrate the opening of the new hotel which is just 'completed. The guests were accommodated in the new billiard room, where a sumptuous repast was served, the table being loaded with good things and most tastefully decorated. The apartment was brilliantly lighted with acetylene gas, which is installed throughout the hotel, 'and was a pleasing .contrast to the ordinary kerosene lamp light. After the usual loyal toast lias been honored, Mr. (Stephenson, who occupied the chair, in .proposing the health of Mr. and Mrs. .Sims and the prosperity of the house, congratulated Mr. Sims on being the proprietor of a really first-class, up-to-mte hotel, which would be a credit to •any town. He referred to the general sympathy that was felt after the burning of the old hotel, for Mr. Sims, and 'although he had sustained very heavy losses on that occasion it might be some consolation to him now that Tariki had 'benefited, as the new hotel was vastly superior in every way to the old one; at any rate, he felt sure that his enterprise in putting up such an excellent house would be rewarded by the support of the public. (Applause.) Since the burning of the old hotel, the want of accommodation had been very keenly felt, and as Tariki/ was an important distributing centre it was a matter for 'congratulation that they had now an hotel worthy of the place. Apart from 'business it should also attract tourists, especially fishermen, as there were splen-' did trout streams in the vicinity, which yvere now being properly stocked, and he prophesied that in a few years no better centre for trout fishing would be found in the Dominion. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm and musical honors. ■

Mr. Harkness responded on behalf of Mr. Sims, who was too busy attending to the wants of his guests. Amongst the other toasts honored were "The County Council," coupled with the name of Mr. M. Jones, proposed ■by Mr. C. Young, Who emphasised the importance of good yards, and eulogised (the excellent work done by the riding foreman. Mr. Jonas ably responded. "The Builder"- (Mr. J. Valentine), "The. Cheese Factory" (Messrs. Harkness and Cartwright), "Timber Industry" (Messrs.* J. Bilski and Seur), "Local Tradd" (Messrs. Horn, McDonald, Jones and Hancock), "The Plumber" (Mr. S. 'Small),. "The Ladies" (Messrs. Sinklater and Nicholson), "The Chairman." A yery pleasant evening was •concluded with a hearty rendering of "Auld Lang 'Syne." Mr. McDonald presided at the piano, and songs were contributed by Mr. P. Horn, who was in splendid voice, and Messrs.' Young, Seaur | and McDonald.