SUPPER AND PRESENTATION TO MR THOMAS SHERRATT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1566, 17 March 1887, Page 3

SUPPER AND PRESENTATION TO MR THOMAS SHERRATT.

For n considerable time past, in fact since the inauguration of the Geraldine Brass Band, the Bandmaster, Mr Thomas Sherralt, baa been unwearied in the trouble he has taken and the strong efforts he has put forth to make the Band a really first-class one. To a very great extent this has now been achieved, and as a slight recognition of the valuable aid thus rendered to them the meinbeis decided to entertain him at a supper, and to make him a presentation that, while exceedingly useful to him as a bandmaster, would also be a handsome souvenir of his connection with the Bind. The supper and presentation took place in the Good Templar Hall, Geraldine, on Tuesday evening last. A capital spread had been prepaid and was ssrved by Host Mcllraith in his best style. About 30 people sat down. Captain R. H, Pearpoint, Geraldine Rifles, qcoupied the chair, having ou his right the guest of the evening. Lieutenant K. McKenzie occupied the vice»chair. After ample justice had been done to the good things orovided, the Chairman called upon those present to charge their glasses, when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were honored. Mr Dunlop then proposed the toast of “The Army, Navy, and ‘Volunteers,” coupled with the names of Captain Pearpoint and Lieutenant K, McKenzie. Captain Pearpoint said be had great pleasure in returning flanks for the manner in which they had drank the. toast. With his present experience of volunteering he liked it very much indeed. In a small and scattered place like Geraldine it was often very hard for the men to turn up to drill, considering the distance many of m had to opme ? and it was a very great credit to theGpraldine men to turn up as they did. He hoped the Geraldine Rifles would put in a good muster at the forthcoming Easter encampment. . Lieutenant K. McKenzie also briefly returned thanks, and expressed the hope that at the encampment the Geraldine Rifles would give a good account of themselves, , The Chairman stated that the next toast was one in which he vai sure they would all join most heartily, it was “ The Guest of the Evening, Mr Thomas Sherratt.” (Loud applause.) They weye all aware that when volunteers were fjrst started in Geraldine they had no band. Mr Sherralt was fhe rising genius, the star that first originated the present band, and he had gradually worked them 1 pp to a pitch that would do credit to any I band of to ago in tha colony, They fiad

not done him ■■<-y 'oo much honor in asking him to ho t ■ re that evening, and in pm euii. g him aifch tho ha'on lb I, h held in liis hmd. Ho ('he (Jhuirmau) often went over to hear the Band playing of an evening, and he could testify to the great improvement they had made dnrng the short time they had been in existence. Mr Bherratt had spared no pains *o make it efficient, and wet, or fine, was always to be found in his place. As they all knew, when a leader showed an interest like that, if be could only get the members to do the same, the Band was bound to improve and increase in popularity. He thought when the Band got their new instruments which would arrive shortly, a still further improvement would be noticeable.

The toast was drsk with musical honors and three times three.

The Chairman then presented Mr Sherratt with an exceedingly handsome baton.

The baton was an ebony one, the handiy and tip being of solid ivory, nicely cut, and the whole beautifully inlaid with mother of pearl and mounted with silver. Round the centre was a silver ferrule with the following inscription upon it “ A presentation to T. Sherratt by the G.V.8., ue a token of esteem.”

Mr E. Logan having contributed tho song “ Rather,” Mr Sherratt, who was evidently deeply affected by the presentation, thanked those who had made it. He was sincerely thankful for the handsome present they had made, but especially for the kind speech made by the Chairman on their behalf. Ha was not very tall, but he could assure them that he felt very tall that evening. He could not say in the i orthodox manner that ha had been taken by surprise, as he had known from the papers and other sources that the presentation was to be made ; but be was surprised to see so many there that evening, and to see the splendid spread that had been made. If there was anything that would give a person energy in any work it was to know and feel that hie labors were appreciated. (Applause). Nothing they could have done would have giyen him greater pleasure than a little social gathering like the present. He had always tried to do his best for the band, but his efforts would have fallen far short if it were not for the assistance he had received from the members themselves, aed while speaking on the subject he wished to testify to the assistance given him by the honorary members, Messrs B. Weston andT. Herdman. The members of the Band had on all occasions made strong efforts to get to the practices, and all seemed to have taken a very deep interest in its welfare. They had made progress in the past by the aid of an utnberella stick for a baton, but he was sure that now they would be able to make still further progress. He again thanked them for their kindness that evening. Song, by a gentleman, “Nothing more.” Mr Amos Sherratt proposed the toast of “The Geraldine Volunteer Band,” coupled with the name of Mr B. Weston. He had been very much surprised at the progress tho band had made. When he came back recently, after being away about seven months, he could scarcely believe it was the same band. He was sure they must have worked very hard to have got to their present state of efficiency. Song, comic, “Tho Waterbutt," Mr Kruse. Mr Weston, responding to the toast of “ The Band,” said he hoped the members would still continue to practice hard, and to go forward in the future as they had done in the past. Ho would be very glad to help them in every way that he could. Mr A. Sherratt proposed “ Trade and Commerce,” coupled with the names of Messrs Dunlop and Mnndell. Song, Mr Logan, “ Studying Economy.” Mr Dunlop responded on behalf of tiade and commerce. As they all knew, trade and commerce had been very depressed for some time past. He thought, however, that there was a prospect of their improving in a very short time. The depression had now existed for about ten years—not only in the colonies but all over the world, and it had been such a depression as had not been felt before for many years. He thought, however, that it had not been so hard in Geraldine as in many places. It had been very bad in* deed, but people had learned to economise, and were now getting over the difficulty. He thought things were now about down to their lowest level, and they could hope to do better in the future. He was glad to see the inprovement in the wool and other markets at Home, which improvement would soon extend as far as the colonies. Song, Mr Herdman, “Farewell to Stirling.” The toast of “ The Ladies,” proposed by Mr F. Bethone, was coupled with the names of Mr G. H. Patrick and Mr H. N. Hiakens, who briefly responded. Song, Mr Gore, “ Bonny Scotland song, a gentleman, “The Midshipmite. “ The Press,” proposed by Mr Dunlop, was responded to by Messrs Hiskens and Fisher. . . Recitation, Mr Patrick ; recitation, Mr F. Bethune, “ The Charge of the Light Brigade.” “ The Geraldine Town Board,” proposed by Mr Logan, was replied to by the Chairman and Mr Dunlop. Recitation, Mr T. Sherratt. «• The Chairman and Vice-Chairman,” proposed by Mr A, Sherratt, was briefly responded to, Mr T, Sherratt, addressing those present, said be would like to see the supper instituted as an annual one in connection with the band. Every other body had some sort of fete, and he thought that a social gathering like the present wag con* dusive to more goodwill apd harmony than anything else, He bad great pleasure iq making the suggestion that the supper should be an annual event. The suggestion was received with applause. The singing of the Fatioual Anthem closed the proceedings, a most enjoyable and jolly evening having been spent.