WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2301, 5 January 1892, Page 2

WINCHESTER.

COMPLIMENTARY 80CIAL TO MR C. W. GIMSON. On New Year’s Eve the Public Hall was more than conveniently crowded by the friends and well wishers of Mr 0. W. Gimson, to whom was tendered a complimentary social in recognition of his many good qualities as a resident. A committee consisting of Messrs Harrison (chairman), 0. C. McCarthy (secretary), R. Smith, Baillie, Mclntosh, Langdon, and Curtis having initiated the movement, and made satisfactory arrangements for a plentiful supply of eatables, refreshments, etc., a general invitation was publicly given through the press, with the result that a more representative gathering from all classes and parts of the district could hardly be got together. Shortly after 8 o’clock Mr D. L. Inwood, J.P., to whom the Committee had entrusted the task, addressed the assemblage, pointing out the many appropriate methods adopted by colonists of showing- their good feeling to those worthily associated with them in the various duties of life. Mr Inwood, after a some that lengthy reference to Mr Gimson’s career as a railway man, as a business man, and as a man of the world, dwelt in very happy and well-chosen terms on the many estimable qualities of the guest. Like the true type of an Englishman, Mr Gimson was a man of probity and sterling worth, of unostentatious and modest disposition, a good husband and father, and colonist, and a man of God-fearing moral virtues. During a residence of fifteen years he was associated with the progress of the district, and by his own prudence, honesty, and thrift, he was now enabled to retire from business, and enter upon the sturdy labors of a tiller of the soil. Mr Inwood tendered to Mr Gimson the sentiments of sincere good wishes of the people of the | district, and wished himself, Mrs Gimson, j and all the members of their family, un- ■ broken happiness and success in their now sphere,

“ Mr C. W. Gimson, Winchester. “ Dear Sir, —We, the undersigned, on behalf of the congregation of St. John the Evangelist’s Church, Winchester, desire to place on record onr hearty recognition of the many valuable services rendered to the Church by your family whilst resident in our midst, especially

by yourself in the capacity of churchwarden, and by Miss Rose Gimson, as organist. The kindly interest displayed in Church work generally, and the hearty support readily accorded to all projects for the public good, will not easily be forgotten by us. We are thankful for the bright example of your family life, which has exercised a quiet and yet forcible influence for good in Winchester. We wish yon “ Good luck in the name of the Lord,” and many a “ Happy New Year ” in your new home. (Signed) T. A. Hamilton, Incumbent Robt. Smith, Churchwarden . H. J. Gladstone^) (Treasurer) Wm. Deßenzy J. Twiqg I W, Stewart 1 C. Taylor [-Vestrymen. Klee Donnithorne H. E. Smith F, Shallald W. Philp I Mr Hamilton expatiated upon M r Gimson's sound moral principles, hi 8 reverential andjGod-fearing qualities, his devotion to the work of the church to which he had attached himself, and after expressing good wishes, and the greeting compliments of the New Year, concluded an eloquent address amid rapturous applause. After a pause, and with greetings of popular admiration, Mr Gimson replied. He spoke “right on” from the heart, as if only engaged in a dialogue. In his reply he was careful to refer briefly to every allusion made to him by both Mr Inwood and Mr Hamilton. He thanked one and all for the evident goodwill manifested towards him, and wound up a little speech, which as an effort of natural, unaffected, and inartistic oratory was simply a masterpiece, as showing shrewd judgment and skill, without the aid of notes or preparation. The formal part of the business being now concluded the large assemblage, which included residents from Orari. Milford, Temuka, Kakahu, Geraldinej and Hilton, entered heartily into the spirit of the entertainment provided, which consisted of dancing, singing, music, Ac. Among the singers were Mrs F. H. Barker (who is always a great favorite in Winchester), Mrs H. E. Smith, Miss Rose Gimson, Messrs Hamilton, Opie, and Watson, the last-named creating quite a flatter of enthusiasm by his singing of the comic song (in character) “My Grandfather’s Hen.” Mr J. F. McCarthy, of Temuka, and Master Arthur Dale, of Heathcote Valley, played violin selections, which were greatly appreciated. At the hour of midnight Mr Inwood again made a short address, referring to the death of the old year and wi-hing all a happy New Year. Dancing was kept up till one o’clock. At this hour Mr Gimson thanked his many friends for the hearty way they had entertained him. He also thanked all who had contributed towards the success and harmony of the evening. This was the finale to the night’s pleasure, which was without doubt unalloyed pleasure, Mr T. L. Hart, who kindly acted as M.C.,

Messrs W. C. Barrett, J. F. McCarthy, and D. L. Inwood, who in turns played the dance music, Miss Cox and Miss 11. Gimson, who also cheerfully gave their services in playing both accompaniment and dance music, are all deserving of special thanks for iheir ready and willing assistance. We should not forget to mention that refreshments, consisting of tea, coffee, sandwiches, cake, fruit, &c., were dispensed in abundance during the evening, and that altogether the re-union was one of the most pleasant gatherings that ever took place in Winchester, and one which showed unmistakeably how thoroughly the worthy guest had won the esteem and good-will of his fellow citizens of every shade and grade.