SMOKE CONCERT AT HAMILTON

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 May 1898, Page 2

SMOKE CONCERT AT HAMILTON

On Thursday evening a number of the friends of Mr A. E. Manning, tendered him a smoke concert at Bright's Hotel,to celebrate his last days of single blessedness. Mr Manning departed for Auckland the following morning for the purpose of being united in the holy bonds of matrimony, with Miss Rees, of Ponsonby, and his companions took the opportunity of expressing in some measure the feelings of friendship and goodwill they held towards him. About 30 were present, and the Mayor of Hamilton presided. Taking advantage of a lull between the songs, the Chairman, on behalf of the company, handed to the astonished guest a very handsome set of carvers, and in a few appropriate words, wished him arid his wife-to-be a'l the joys of a long, happy and prosperous career. The health of the " Guest of the Evening " *vas then drunk with musical honours. Mr Manning, who was visibly, affected in a very short but happy mauner, expressed his thanks. Songs and recitations were given by Messrs Thos. Creighton, J. S. Edgecumbe, C. Speight, C. Le Quesne, Dr. Brewis, Geo. Edgecumbe, G. Parr, M. Quick, T. Kirk, junr., 0. Mahon, F. VV. Browning, S. Tucker, A. J. Fanner, A. Upton and a host of others. The entertainment was a very jolly one, going with a merry swing from the commencement, and it will certainty not be forgotten in a hurry.