OLD SETTLERS' REUNION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 293, 26 May 1898, Page 2

OLD SETTLERS' REUNION.

The annual gathering of old Waikato settlers was held at Mr Lewis' Hotel, Te Awamutu, on Tuesday night. On previous occasions this social reunion has been held at Kihikihi, where the idea of this annual gathering first originated ; in consequence of its increasing popularity and accession to the ranks of its members, it was deemed advisable by the committee to hold the annual meeting this year at Te Awamutu, as it was considered a more convenient centre for the hulk of the members, and more accessable by road and rail than Kihikihi, especially at this s3ason of the year, when muddy roads and uncertain weather have to be reckoned with. Owing to sickness and family bereavements, there were not as many present as at last year's gathering, some twentyfive only putting in au appearance. The chair was occupied by Mr W. Johns, the President, and in the absence of Mr J. T. Edwards, Mr G. Edgecumbe acted as vice. Punctually at 7 o'clock the bell rang, and Host Lewis deserves all the compliments paid him at a later stage of the evening for the really sumptuous repast he had prepared for his visitors. The table, with seating accommodation for fully forty people, was laid out with great taste, the decoration, both floral and drapery, were tributes to the artistic taste of the ladies of the house, the general effect being excellent. Under Miss Lewis' able supervision the wants of the guests were promptly aud most efficiently attended to, as under her were a bevy of young lady volunteers, the daughters of residents in the town and neighbourhood, who had pressed themselves iuto the service, anxious to help in this way to the success of the gathering of old Waikato settlers. When the toasts came round the fair waitresses were not forgotten, and the handsome manner in which the toast was received and drunk showed very plainly that the old settlers duly appreciated their good offices in this department, but more particularly the kiudly spirit which suggested undertaking the service. Under the softening influences of a good dinner, topped up with drinkables of the best, it is needless to say that the usual patriotic and loyal toasts were duly honoured During the iutervals old stories were told of the early experiences of Waikato settlers, some grim, others bordering on the ludicrous. In the latter department, the Vice-President (Mr J. T. Edwards) was much missed, as in addition to a retentive memory, he has the happy gift of being able to see the humourous side of life. However, Mr Germaun and Mr Moncrief both told some very amusing stories, and the former gentleman would, no doubt, repeat the " Ghost Story " at some of the local entertainments if ho were asked to do so. Mr John Gibson's description of his first attempts at practical farming were graphically given, and no doubt the inconveniences and trials incident to the pioneer's life as experienced by MiGibson would equally apply to many others present. Songs were contributed by Messrs Germaun, Roche, Edgecumbe and Blackett ; others contributed recitations, amongst them one by Mr " Sam " Lawis, a cleverly written humourous skit entitled, " The Kihikihi Polo Club," was well rendered and thoroughly enjoyed by the company. The proceedings throughout were of a most social character, and it was a real pleasure to hear old comrades taking over old times and war incidents, aud generally expressing the enjoyment this annual gathering afforded them. The question of putting the association upon a more satisfactory basis was discussed, when it was resolved to call it " The Waikato Old Settlers' Association," with a membership fee of five shillings per annum. An executive committee, with Mr H. Roche as hon. secretary, was also appointed to arrange for the future conduct of the association. The health of the " Host and Hostess" was then proposed as a fitting conclusion to the evening's entertainment, and the proposer referred in very flattering terms to the excellent repast Host Lewis had provided, and to the care and attention bestowed upon the company throughout the evening. Mr Sam. Lewis suitably replied on behalf of his father, aud with general hand-shaking the meeting of old Waikato settlers for 1898 was brought to a close.