PRESENTATION TO MISS NORAII LARKING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13877, 1 February 1909, Page 8

PRESENTATION TO MISS NORAII LARKING.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) On Thursday, 28th inst., the Warea I lull was nicely decorated in order to give effect to 'the social given by the residents to Miss Larking on the occasion of her taking up the higher duties oi marriage, and as an appreciation of her worth and usefulness to the district during the last ten years. Although rain began to come down in torrents just as people were leaving their honies for the hall, very few were deteriv'd by the wet from proceeding, and the hall was crowded with friends from all quarters. Dancing, to music provided by Miss Francis and conducted by Mr S. H. Pelham as M.C, was veil attended to until about 11 p.m.. when a table holding a very pretty dinner set was placed in the centre of the hall, and Mr James J. Elwin, who had journeyed from New Plymouth for the event, at the request of 'the- lady promoters, stepped forward and expressed the pleasure he felt in being present to say a few words to Miss Larking when she was leaving her present state, though luckily she would still reside close to her old home, so it would be unnecessary to say farewell, especially as his family had been the first to welcome the Larkings on their coming to the district. He had also been the oldest friend of the father of the prospective, bridegroom, his friendship for Mr Allen Bell having commenced long before their arrival on the roast. Mr Elwin said he had watched the work of Miss Larking with much interest and pleasure, for he considered it showed the guidance of a very high sense of duty, which duty had not only centred in her immediate family, resulting in her two brothers becoming honourable and respected young men, but had extended itself to the district and the church. He warned Mr R. Bell (of whom he had never heard a whisper of anything but good) that, should he at any time feel disposed to pursue a wrong course, he would have the strong mind and strong arm of a conscientious wife to guide him into proper paths, and lead him to continual happiness. The Rev. Mr Addenbrooke spoke of Miss Larking's devotion to church work, instancing her constant attendance at services, where she had presided at tho harmonium for years. He was sorry his short residence in tho district precluded his speaking as he was sure his predecessors would have done.

Mr Elwin then made the presentation, hoping that it would not be placed on a shelf, but would he in constant use until the whole dozen plait's would be required on the table at every meal. He asked Mr T. E. Larking to take charge of tho ware till his sister entered her home.

Mr Larking briefly replied, stating that he was not yet old enough to l>o uound up so that he could run off speeches like the old gentlemen present.

Alter a supper provided by the ladies, dancing was resumed till daylight, when all went home in a deluge, of rain.

During the evening the Rev. Mr Addenhrooke sang "My Queen," Mr Mumlen sang "Nancy," Mr Eric Andrews gave "Nancy Lee" and "Sister," Mr Strong Taylor a recitation, "Ask Mamma," Mr TV. Larking sang "The Mighty Deep" and "Sing Me to Sleep," Mr Schanlon gave "Way Down on the Swanee River," nnd Mr and Mrs S. Wells sang a duet. Miss Frances played the accompaniments.