FAREWELL CONCERT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4081, 5 April 1892, Page 2

FAREWELL CONCERT.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Perhaps one of the most pleasing and successful entertainments eyer held in Mauriceville, was the farewell banquet given to Mr James (Jottiss, lately employed on the railway, which was lialu ! n "n souo °l ro( ™> Mauriceville West, on Saturu;; filing last, j The affair was inaugurated under* t!'? auspices of Court Kopuaranga Lodge of A.0.F.. of which brotherhood Mr Cottiss was a member, and past Chief Ranger, The outside public heartily co-operated in the movement, with the result that the large schoolroom wa3 taxed to its utmost capacity to contain the assembled wellwishers, who came to wish God Speed to a man who has made himself singularly popular in the district. The catering waß in the hands of Mr Mattes Jensen, and the spread/ was most creditable to him and all concerned, comprising every delicacy in season. The excellently arranged programme was carried out in a manner ,whioh left nothing to be desired. Brother Lars Mattson, Chief Ranger, presided. After the good things had been successfully negotiated, the tables were cleared, fresh glasses, decanters, etc, graced the centre of the festive board in goodly array, and the Chairman opened the proceedings by a touching reference to the late bereavement of the English Eoyal family.. Ho paid he felt .sure that the great heart of the people yearned ill sympathy to tho Bweet Danish' Princess who had been orushed to the earth with sorrow by the untimely cutting off of her first born, the hope of the Eng|jsh people, in the dawning of his manhood, Hstjien proposed the health of the Queen and tho Royal Family, which was druok enthusiastically, The Chairman said he had now to propose the toast of the evening. He felt it a very great privilego and one wh|cl} |ie had great pleasure in performing. After having i given a detailed account of the many services their guest had rendered to the cause of Forestry, he passed a high compliment pn his many good qualities as a man, and said he would ask them to charge their glasses to the brim, and drink to the health and prosperity of Bro. Jamea Cottiss, The audience rose to their feet and made the welkin ring with " he's a jolly good fellow." After the enthusiasm had subsided Mr Cottiss /who seemed very much affected) rose and in a few words thanked the audience for the honour they had done him, He said he could not do justice to hjs feelings, He felt sure that they would excuse him and lake the will for the deed. He advised all the young fellows of Mauric.eyil.le who were not Foresters' to join tfie'soeiety as soon as possible ns he felt sure they would never regret doing so; Again thanking them for the manner in whioh they had received the. toast: of his health he resumed hi; seat amidst loud applause.. During the evening some capital songs were sung, several of those present being gifted with pa rtioularly good voices. Mr M ason gave the speech of .".bergeant Bußfuz" in capital style. Altogether the affair, was one of.,the,.most enjoya"6le'of the kind evef held in; the district. Mr Cottiss sails for the

Old Country in'a few'-days.' Uis loss will be keenly felt in the comrauuity where lie has resided for many years.;.;...