FAREWELL TO MR LASCELLES.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 278, 23 April 1898, Page 2

FAREWELL TO MR LASCELLES.

On Monday evening a number of the friends of Mr R. F. Lascelles, who is leaving the district, assembled at Mr Smith's Harbour View Hotel, Raglan, in order to entertain that gentleman at dinner and give expression to the kindly feelings they entertain for him and the regret they experience at his departure. Dinner was served in the large dining room, the tables were tastefully decorated and the menu was all that could be desired. Mr W. M, Bankart was in the chair, and Mr Mathias (County Chairman) faced him in the vice chair. Shortly after dinner was concluded the Chairman gave " The Queen and Royal Family," which was drunk with the customary honours and enthusiasm. The next toast, which was also proposed by the Chairman, was the " Army and Navy," which he said had always been found ready and willing to uphold the honour and glory of their country, and he was certain would in the future be found able to meet any emergency. He coupled the toast with the name of Mr J. B. Somerset. The toast was drunk with all honours and was followed by the singing of "Rule Britannia." Mr Somerset thanked the company for the cordial manner they had received the toast and Chairman for having coupled his name with it. He had served in the Army, and fourteen years back had served in Egypt, under that veteran, General Sir H. H. Kitchener, whose recent decisive victory they had just heard of. He felt sure that both arms of the service would when called upon do their duty as in the past to their Queen and country. Mr Sweetman then sang " The Last Sweet Words Of Mother." The Chairman then rose to propose the toast of the evening, "Our Guest," whom they had met together to honour. He had lived among them for six years, and had occupied various posts of honour as member of the County Councill and Road Board, and he had been ever found a fit and able Councillor, straightforward and above board in all his actions, a settler of the right stamp, a firm friend, a hearty good fellow, and in every sense a gentleman. He was sure that all felt regret at his approaching departure, and hoped that wherever he pitched his camp he may enjoy good health and prosperity. They all wished him Godspeed! The toast was drunk with full musical honours. Mr Lascelles, on rising to reply, was received with cheers. He said that the manner in which the toast had been proposed and received gave him mingled feelings of pleasure and regret. With pleasure at the expressions of great kindness and esteem which he felt were more than he deserved. With regret that possibly he should see their faces no more. During the six years he had resided amongst them he had received nothing but kindness, and in all his travels had never met a better lot of fellows than in Raglan. Wherever his lot might be cast, be it in England, South Africa or elsewhere, he would always remember with the greatest pleasure his many kind friends in Raglan and New Zealand. In Raglan he had always met with fair dealings, straightforward and honest men. He heartily

thanked them all for their kindly farewell. Mr Foss then sang " Mary, the Maid of the Mill." The Vice-chairman then proposed the "Agricultural Interests," in which they were all deeply interested, engaged as they were in a struggle to make both ends meet. Agriculture stood foremost of all occupations. He would associate with the toast the name of Mr Daw. Mr Daw, in responding, said the past harvest had been a most disastrous one for settlers, but they must plod on, hoping for better times. Agriculture in remote parts like Raglan was much handicapped by bad outlets for produce They wanted better roads and a light railway to Waikato. Farmers should co-operate for the purchase of agricul-

tural implements ; by so doing time and money would be saved. If they had good roads and a light railway, by putting their shoulders to the wheel they might get rid of a lot of valuable produce. Several other toasts and songs were given, including the press, the chairman, and the host and hostess. The rest of the evening was given up to sociability.