COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE HAMILTON FOOTBALLERS.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 340, 13 September 1898, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE HAMILTON FOOTBALLERS.

Ok Saturday evening last Mrs Hamilton, the new licensee of the Eoyal Hotel, Hamilton East, entertained the Hamilton footballers and their friends, at, a dinner and smoke concert. It was expected that the Waingaro team would visit Hamilton to met the second fifteen on that day, and the hostess had made preparations for their reception ; but owing doubtless to the heavy rain which fell towards midday, the visitors failed to put iu an appearance. However, about 80 sat down to dinner at 6 p.m., and even then there were many vacant chairs. The tables were most tastefully decorated with flowers and navy blue satin, fringed with gold silk to match the club's banner, which occupied a prominent position in the spacious dining-room. Mr Geo. Edgccumbe, President of the club, occupied the chair, and l)r. Brewis the vice chair. The viands provided, which were of the, choicest description, reflected grea,t credit upon Mr James, who, wc understand, superintended the cuisine arrangements, and they certainly received every attention from the exponents and followers of the Rugby game. After dinner the tables were cleared and the remainder of the evening was devoted to harmony. By this time the number of guests had increased considerably, and there were upwards of 100 present. Amongst them were many musically inclined, and songs and recitations followed at short intervals during the evening. There was a generous supply of everything in the shape of drinkables, and all the elements that conduce towards a merry evening. Everybody appeared to be brimming over with good humour, there was a total absence of that rowdyism that so often characterises similar gatherings, and the hostess is thoroughly satisfied with the behaviour of the boys, whose conduct was exemplary. Mrs Houghton sang several choice selections, including "Killarney" and "The Powder Monkey," and her efforts told iu no small measure towards the success of the musical portion of the entertainment. Songs and recitations were also given by Messrs Tebbs, Johnson, McMahon, Ini.es, Lowe, Hall, Kinsella, Creiahton, Windsor, Devery, Cockhcad, Moore, Wright, Speight, Malum, and a host of others' Many of them were exceedingly well rendered, and delighted the audience immensely. Towards midnight the Chairman, in a pithy speech, proposed the health of the hostess. In doing 30 he thanked her on behalf of the footballers for her kindness and generosity, and hoped she might live long in Hamilton to enjoy the fruits of her hospitality and large heartedness. Mrs Hamilton, he said, had not been long in the town ; but during her short stay had made a host of friends, and won the hearts of them all, and he predicted for her a bright and prosperous career. The health of the hostess was drunk in bumpers with musical honours, and a capital evening's amusement terminated, by the company singing the ever-green gem, " Auld Lang Syne,"