CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 January 1940, Page 7

CARTERTON

MR BEN RAYNER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. (“Times-Age” Special.) There was an exceptionally large assemblage at the State Theatre. Holloway Street, Carterton. the occasion being the 75th anniversary of Mr Ben Rayner’s birth. Relatives and close friends were present from far and wide, including many from Wellington. Masterton. Carterton and other parts of the Wairarapa district, testifying to the great respect in which Mr Rayner is held. The evening was taken up principally with dancing, and the large gathering of visitors thoroughly Enjoyed themselves to the strains of excellent music supplied by Tom Udy’s Dance Band. Mr V. J. Ashton made a capable master of ceremonies. During the evening Scottish dances were given by Miss White and Mrs Hall, and Master L. Avery of Wellington rendered a splendid song for which he received a well deserved encore. Other items were also applauded. During the evening Mr Gordon Hughan, an old friend of the guest of the evening, proposed his health which was honoured amid the singing of "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’’ and “Why Was He Born So Beautiful?’’ In proposing Mr Rayner’s health, Hughan referred to the fact that for the past four or five years a birthday party had been given to Mr Rayner by his family and it was indeed pleasing to him to have the honour of proposing his health. Everyone was familiar with the name of “Ben’’ Rayner and he had a large circle of friends in the Wairarapa and in many parts of New Zealand. He hoped that Mr Rayner would long be spared to enjoj’ many more such jovial birthdays. A monster birthday cake, bearing 75 miniature candles, all of which were extinguished with one puff bj' Mr Rayner, which indicated he was still going strong, was made and presented for the occasion by his daughter-in-law, Mrs Eric L. Rayner, of Chester Road, Clareville. The cake was afterwards cut by Mrs E. L. Rayner and everyone in the hall was given a piece. The cake was passed round to the visitors by Mr Rayner’s grandchildren. A sumptuous hand-round supper was provided and enjoyed by all. Before the function broke up in the early hours of the morning everyone joined hands and sang “Auld Lang Syne.” OBITUARY MRS J. S. LAURENSON. News was received, in Carterton yesterday of the death of Mrs Jas. S. Laurenson, of Clifton Avenue. The late Mrs Laurenson, who was known throughout the Wairarapa and was highly respected, went to Rotorua on a holiday. While there she became critically ill and she was ordered to hospital where she was operated upon. The late Mrs Laurenson was 68 years of age and had been a resident of Carterton for many years. Much sympathy is expressed with Mr J. Laurenson by a wide circle of friends throughout-the Wairarapa in the loss he has sustained. The remains were interred privately at Rotorua yesterday. Card Evening. The weekly card tournament in connection with the Boy Scout movement was, held last evening in the band room. The prizes were won by Mrs Edwards, Wellington, Mrs A. Whitehead and Messrs Edwards, Wellington, and Warner. Supper was afterwards served. Personal. Mr and Mrs Edwards, of Wellington are visitors to Carterton, and are staying with Mr and Mrs A. F. Whitehead, Wyndham Street.