NGARUAWAHIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 250, 22 February 1898, Page 2

NGARUAWAHIA.

Testimonial.—Some short time ago our highly • esteemed and much • respected stationmastcr, Mr Herbert William*, was somewhat suddenly transferred from this township to take charge of the Frank ton Station. Owing to the short notice, the residents of Ngaru&wahia and surrounding districts were unable before bis departure to evidence appreciation of him both as ati officer and as a citizen. A subscription list was, however, started in order to give him some memento cf Ngaruawahia, which ha? resulted in an illuminated address and handsome clock. It may be here mentioned that the subscriptions were truly voluntary, as no one was asked to subscribe. Owing to unforeseen delays the presentation was not made till Friday last, when a social; as a befitting farewell, was teodered to Mr and Mrs Williams. As the guests entered the ball they Mere received with loud applause. The programme consisted of dances interspersed with sonso. The presentation was made by Mr T. IT. Wells in a very appropriate speech, in which he spoke ot the many excellent qualities of Mr Williams. The address, which was splendidly got up and illuniinated by Messrs Holland and Sons, and contained some pretty views of the Waipa and Waikato rivers, read as fob lows :—" Dear Sir, —We cannot allow you to depart from Ngaruawahia without placing on durable, record our high estimation of your character as a railway officer and as a man. To the efficiency and courtesy that have characterised the discharge of your official duties, it is almost commonplace to allude, obvious as they have been to everyone. But many ot us have, as it were, got below the officer and come to know and esteem the man, and we can only say in bidding you farewell: '• He was a man that take him all in all, We shall not look upon his like again." From our hearts we wish happiness to you and yours and as<k your acceptance of the accompanying present, not for its intrinsic va'ue, but that it may serve to renvnd you in time to come of the eight, we hope, happy years you spent in the little township where Waipa irects Waikato." The address was signed on behalf of the people of Ngaruawahia by some nine of the most prominent residents. Mr Williams replied thanking, on behalf of Mrs Williams and himself, the Ngaruawahia friends for the mementoes. The following are the songs sung during the even-ing:-"The Warrior Bold," Mr Sodling ; " My Own Boy Jack," Miss Grace Butehrr; "Queen of the Earth," Mr Garton ; "Old and New," Miss Butcher (encored); '"The King's Own," Mr F. Hunt; " The Flight' of Ages," Miss Grace Butcher ; " Home Boys Homo," Mr William* (encored); " Nancy Lee," Mr Garton; "Vanity," Mr F. Hunt. A pianoforte duet was also played by the Misses Soppet and Fitzpatrick. Supper was kindly provided by the ladies of the township. Miss Soppeti and Mr McMillan presided at the piano. Dancing was kept up till shortly after 1 o'clock, and taking it all in all a most pleasant evening wan spent. Regatta. Professor Carollo has kindly consented to act as starter and referee at the forthcoming regatta. The Hon. R. J. Seddou, who will be in the Waikato district at that time, has been invited by the committee to attend.— (Own Correspondent).