A POPULAR BONIFACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1916, Page 6

A POPULAR BONIFACE.

MR. B. T. BOOKER FAREWELLED. The esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Beokor, of Okato, are held by Hie residents of the coast was evidenced by tiie crowded state of the Okato Hall oil Tuesday night, when a farewell social was tendered them by residents of the district. Dining their five years' residence they have made their hostelry a very popular house of call along the coast. Mr. Booker lias taken a prominent part in eevrything pertaining to the advancement of the district, having been chairman of the Okato Domain Board, president of the Football Club, and a prominent member of the Glee Club, Bowling Club and Tennis Club, as well as local representative of the Aceliniatisation Society and the Taranaki Agricultural Society. He has also taken a prominent part in patriotic matters. Dancing was, of course, the main feature of the evening. Numerous card tables were provided and taken advantage of by the older folk. Despite the warm evening, the floor was kept fully occupied, to delightful music provided by Mr. Harnett (piano), whilst Messrs 3. L. Power and H. K. Corbett, the At.C.'s, kept matters merrily moving. Prior to the supper adjournment, Mr. J. Wooldridge. in a short speech, referred to the good work (lone by Mr. and Mrs. Booker in the disliici, mentioning the fact that Mr. Bunker whs a keen shooter and angler, ,-i";l. indeed, a good all-round sport. Airs. Hooker had been the mainstay in providing supper at various gatherings. Mr. J. S. Fox, as a representative oi the older generation, said he looked upon Mr. and Mrs. Booker as personal friends. Mr. Booker had held a position that was one of the hardest that a business man could possibly hold, and he had held it with honor to himself and the district. He had also taken more t'han ordinary interest in the welfare of the district. He had sat on the Domain Board under Mr. Booker's chairmanship. Air. Booker had worked very hard in this position, and though the domain had had more downs than ups, he had left it with a credit of .tfiO. In connection with Acclimatisation Society matters, lie had been the main mover in keeping down poaching, and had also helped financially and otherwise in raising young pheasant-. Tt was with regret that he had heard of Air. Booker'? departure, because lie felt that in a small community like Okato it would be difficult to find a man to fill all the positions that he had occupied so well. Mm, Booker, too, had been a suitable helpmeet, and but for her he felt that Mr. Hooker could not have been so successful. Tie then presented Air. Bool;.r with a handsome marble clock, inscribed: '■Presented to Air. and Airs. B. T. Honker by Okato residents. 21/.!/lfi." Afr. Booker, in reply, said that after coming to the district five years ago a--. a perfect stranger he considered it an honor to be present that evening among such a number of friends. He had had a pleasant time in Okato. He recognised that it was his duty to help the district, all he could. He felt sure that his successor (Mr Sanson), who was a highlyesteemed farmer from the Atanawatu, would do likewise, lie thanked them kindly for their happy memento, which with a picture of Afr. Egmont. a mountain of which Taranaki could not be too proud, would occupy a prominent place in his new home, wherever that might be. Mr. Booker resumed his seat amidst the enthusiastic singing of ''For he's a jolly good fellow.'' and cheers for Air. and Airs. Booker and family.

Supper wa s then landed round and done full justice tc;'. T'ne Indies in charge were Mosdamos J. S. Fox, T. C. Si root and W. Clarlv... During the evening t'ne following Biusicsl programme was rondcrod:— Song, "God Rless o»r Empire." Rev. Addonlrookc: cornet solo. "Perfect Day," Mr. F. .T. Thompson: duet. "All* We'll," Messrs Willis and Nowoll: recitation, "Halloo," Mr. .1. S. WooldrkVe. Tie aoeompaniments were played ly Mr. Barnett. Extras for tie daneo were played by Miss Aylward and Mr. N. Andrews. Mr. Thompson assisting- wit-n Hie cornet. Tie committee oomnrisod: —Messrs J. S. Fox (chairman), W. Clark. \. Roeluck, F. Roebuck. A. Corbet:., T, C. Street, W: Eustace. L. O'Sullivnn. K Leedom and J. Wno'dridgo (-ecretarv). Before departing for • Auckland. Mr. Booker intends to snond a week fit the Mountain House with lis family.