PRESENTATION AND DINNER TO MR E. STRATTON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1012, 3 October 1882, Page 3

PRESENTATION AND DINNER TO MR E. STRATTON.

A farewell dinner and presentation was given by the members of the Christy Minstrel Club and Brass Band to Mr E. Stratton, last Saturday evening, in the "Volunteer Hall, on the occasion of his leaving the town for Dunedin. The chair was occupied by Mr J. H. Edmonds on behalf of the Christy Minstrels, and the Vice-chair by Mr E. Brown on behalf of the Band. About 40 sat down to an excellent repast, got np, regardless of expense, by Mr Peter Coira, of the Royal Hotel. After the good things were done full justice to, and the loyal toasts drunk, Mr Brown proposed 'The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,' coupled with the nan.es of Messrs Guy and Mason. The toast having been drunk, Messrs Guy and Mason acknowledged the compliment, and expressed themselves saoisfied that the Volunteers would always give a good account of themselves when _ called upon. Mr Clinch proposed tho health of Mr and Mrs Stratton, and expressed the regret he felt at Mr Stratton leaving the district. Mr Stratton in responding referred to the very pleasant times he had had with them, and hoped to hear good accounts of their success. He felt sure his leaving would not interfere with them. Mr Brown said lie had a pleasing duty to perform op behalf of the Band. It was to present Mr Stratton with a token of the esteem in which he was held by the Band. The members did not think it would be right for them to allow Mr Stratton to sever his connection with them without some token of the great esteem in which he was hrld by them, and S 9 they had subscribed between them tho price of the writing desk which he was about to present to him. He was extremely sorry— and so was every member ot the Band—that Mr StrattonJ was was going away. Since he came amongst them he was always most attentive, punctual m liis attendance, aßd most civil ;ind rbilging. There was no disagreements under his conductorship, everything naased off most happily, and it wae

with genuine regret that they parted with him. Mr Brown then presented Mr Stratlon with a very handsome writing desk. Mr Strati on thanked them very much for their handsome present to himHe was really taken by surprise, as he never expected such a thing. He would assure them that he) would prize it very much, not for its'-value, but as a reminder of the pleasant times he had spent with them, and the kind friends he leaving. He would also accept it as a a token that his efforts amongst them were not in vain. He was very proud of the band now, and Temuka ought to be proud of them, and it was a pity they were not better supported. It was right enough for them to pay while they were learning, but now that they were good players, they oaght to be supported lo such an extent that the members would not hive to put their hands in their pockets at all. He felt very proud of them, and he had no doubt ho would hear of them, perhaps winning a prize at some competition. Mr Edmonds proposed the teast of ' The Temuka Brass Band,' coupled with the names of Messrs Harrison and Brown, and referred to their efficiency in flatterin terms. Messrs Harrison and Brown responded in suitable terms, expressing a hope that the band would succeed in the future as in the past, and b* a credit to the town. Mr Burrows proposed ' The Press,' coupled with the names of Messrs Bolton and Twomey. The toast w-is duly acknowledged. Mr Henry proposed 'The Christy Minstrel Club,' coupled with the names of Messrs Burrows, Levens, and Edmonds. Messrs Burrows, Levens, and Edmonds responded in saitable terms, the latter stating that he liked Mr Stratton so much that hs felt much at parting with him. He was most punctual, civil, and obligi n g, and his departure would be a great loss to them. He was not only a good cornet player but also a good violinist, and he considered it a loss to the town that he was leaving. Mr Mason proposed 'The Host.' He was sure that evsry one present would drink this toast enthusiastically, as the excellent spread he had given them certainly doserved recognition. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr Coira said he had done his best, and would always be ready to give any one ' a square meal.' Mr Bolton proposed 'The Ladies,' coupled with the name of Mr John Lawson. The toast was honored and, Mr Lawson returned thanks on behalf of the ladies. During the evening several song were sung by Messrs Guy, F. Storey, Brown, Edmonds, and Levens, and a recitation by Mr Coltman, and a most enjoyable reunion was brought to a close with many good wishes for the future welfare of the guest of the evening. Mr Stratton and his family left yesterday by the express by train for Dunedin, and we feel confident that he did not leave one in Temuka who does not wish him Gods peed.