ROTORUA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2928, 21 April 1891, Page 2

ROTORUA.

Complimentary Ball.—On the authority of Solomon the Wise we learn there "is a time to weep Bnd a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Tluse four injunctions the good people of Rotnrua havo faithfully attended to during the past few days, although it is difficult for a layman to dilate on the difference between "weep" aud " mourn." The occasion of this observance of Solomon's words was the movements of Mr Harry Kerr, whose departure from amongst us is deeply mourned. For something like seven years Harry has occupied a prominent position heie as " admiral of the team," being the popular drivor of Mr W. K. Carter's well-known mail coach, a lino of calling which ho has just relinquished aTter a most successful career extending over twelve years, part of which was on the road between Hamilton and Cambridge, and again between Cambridge and here, and latterly, on account nt railway extension, from Oxford. Over these mads, to and fro, winter and summer, Harry must have carried a multitude of people—and that without a single accident, whic'l is something worthy of note. Passengers always felt safe when Harry held the reins, and that says a great deal, especially when it is remembered that amongst the tourists and invalids —and they form the bulk of the trafficmany of them suffer, either real or imaginary, from all sorts of nervous debility, and is it any wonder now that " Harry " has retired from the " box " without a " brake " that the peiple should show a desire to recognise in some way their appreciation of such a person. Accordingly a complimentary ball was deemed the most suitable.and again Solomon's instructions were strictly obeyed, for the people not only danced, but they laughed, which is a sure sign of enjoyment. The ball took place on Wednesday last in tho Public Hall, and was a most successful affair. Fully fifty couples wore present by invitation only. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and two most appropriate inottos. One over the porch at tho main entrance was the design of a Irnse shoe containing in large letters the well-known motto "(rood Luck," and again at the other end of the hall above the stage was a banner tastefully arranged (the handiwork of Mrs W. T. Carr), bearing the following :—" (rood-bye, Harry; health, wealth, and prosperity." A programme of 20 dances was gone through to tho strains of the music provided by Miss Fraser and Mr A. lirady on the piano and violin respectively. Mr A, Warbrick discharged the onerous duties of M.C. in his usually able manner. Light refreshments were handed round during the evening. Dr. Hinders, in a neat speech, eulogised the merits and qualities of " Harry " both as a careful, experienced driver and a kind aud generous citizen, good-natured and jolly at all times, endearing himself to visitors and others, as was amply manifest by this assemblage, The worthy doctor concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Kerr every happiness in their new sphero, and quoted the words on the banner, "Good-bye, 'Harry,' health, wealth and prosperity." " He's a Jolly Good Fellow " was then sung in a hearty manner by those in the hall, after which Mr Kerr, in a few words, returned thanks, but he was visibly affected, and evidently not accustomed to speaking before a large audience. He was much surprised at the liberal manner he and Mrs Kerr had been entertained, and he said they felt gratified for the kind expressions of Dr. Cinders. They were very sorry to }eave, but they would always have a good opinion of fyotorua, and bo glad to meat any of their old friends again.

Smoke Concert.—On Thursday evening: a number of Mr Kerr's male acquaintance) who do not feel at home in a ballroom arranged to have n smoke concert which took place in the Palace Hotel, when » most pleasant evening was spent in toasts, sours, and recitatione. If " Harry " has all the Rood luck, or the half of it that the people of Kutornu w ish him, he will be a happy man. The day of departure havinff arrived (Friday last) there was a (rood all rutind hand-shaking which must have made Mr and Mrs Kerr's arms ache, They proceed to Cambridge where tliuy enter into possession of the Masonic Hotel.