FAREWELL DINNER TO MR THOS GOODFELLOW AT ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2994, 22 September 1891, Page 3

FAREWELL DINNER TO MR THOS GOODFELLOW AT ALEXANDRA.

As Mr Thomas Goodfellow was taking his final departure from Alexandra oil Tuesday last, after a resideuce here for tho last sixteen years, it was determined by a number of bin friends that some recoßnition of the general esteem he iB held in in this part of the district should be given hi'o before departmi! from amongst us. It was determined that our appreciation of his good qualities should be shown by inviting him to a dinner and smoke concert in the Public Hall on Monday evening last, where we could meet and tender him our Rood wishes for him and his family's future prosperity. Unfortunately, the night was a most unpleasantly wet one, aud prevented a number of his friends, who would have liked to have been present, from attending. An excellent spread of all the good things obtainable was prepared on tables in the hall, at 8 p.m., Mr Yates, of Alexandra, being tbe caterer. Amongst those present to meet our Kuest were : Messrs A. Ahier, E. Aubin, F. R. Foster, T. Finch, W. M. Chappell, F. Smith, \V. R. Rutherford, McGregor, Wm. Searancke, Penetana, Tautaki, Sinden, P. Lynch, S. Short, H. H. Reynolds and others. Jlr Atibin Ahier presided, the vice-chair being taken by Mr Chappell. Apologies were received for non-attendance from Messrs J. McNicol, J. B. Teasdale, G. Cruickshank, A. Ormsby and other gentlemen. Attendanco whs given by a bevy of young ladies of the settlement in honour of the guest of the evening, Mr Goodfellow, who was seated on tija right hand of the chairman. After full justice had been done to the good things that were provided— the night being an excellent one to sharpen the appetite—and the tables cleared and set out with the necessary materials for A convivial meeting, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured, given by the chairman and the vice-chairman restiectively. The chairman then called upon all to fill their glasses and proposed the toast of the eveninjf, "The health, wealth and prosperity of Mr Thomas Goodfellow, uur guest, who {fi to our great regret taking his final leave fr.'im Alexandra where he has so long residfc x i." He (the chairman) wus quite unable iS» fi°d lang iai(e to express those feelings, b'lt he felt they were all unanimous in acknowledging that Alexandra was losing a real goodfellow, one who would lone be missed amongst them, but who would carry the best wishes of those amongst whom he had so long resided, for liia future prosperity. . The toast wiu drank in bumpers with enthusiasm and with musical honours. After the chairman had proposed the toast "Our Gueub," Mr Phujipell rose, saying

that a gentleman who was unfortunately unable to be present that evening had forwarded his farewell to Mr Goodfellow in verno, which he would, with the chairman s permission, read. The following were the j lines, which were loudly applauded : — FAREWEI.L LINES TO T. GOODFELLOW. 01 all the good fellows that ever were known, We've the best of them here, and that we inust own. That he's shown his good feeling m every way. With his sense, purse and labour there s none will gainsay. He's the prince of good fellows ; there's no doubt about him, And I scarcely can tell what we shall do without him ; We shall miss him, of course, and in more ways than one, And shall scarce know our loss till Tom Goodfellow's gone. Where e'ei be may go. or what post he may fill, He will never be aught but a good fellow still. He will find newer friends, but I here would remind him. They cannat be truer than those left behind him. May health, wealth and happiness on him attend: May he ne'er know the want of a pound or a friend. Where good fellows meet, he'll be first I foretell, N«w fill up your bumpers and birl himf.irewell. Hip 1 hip ! hip ! hurrah ! Mr Goodfellow in reply thanked all most cordially for the manner the toast had been received, such kindness and honour he had nob anticipated ; lie felt proud indeed in . bavins; the good wishes of the people he had lived so lonp arnMnßst, now that he was leaving them. He was sure he would never forget the Rood feeling* thoy had displayed towards him on leaving. The Alexandra people would never be forgotten by him, and he hoped prosperity would ere long fihine on all, he once more thanked them for their good wishes. Loud applause greeted Mr Goodfellow a answer to the toast and the meeting »t once commenced to spend a pleasant convivial and harmonious meeting. Mr E. Aubin kindly officiated at the piano as accom. panyiat as if to the manner born, as not once was ho at fault in all the numerous and various sonffs that were given throughout the night. Mr McGregor, from Mount Ronkill, kindly commenced with a song entitled " Good Company." very apprnpriute it was—a good song excellently aung. To set down all the proceeding* of the evening would necessitable a special number of The Waikato Times, bo I must cjudense. Mr McGregor proposed the toast of ' The Commercial Interests," in a good speech, which was responded to by Messrs Aubin and Ahier. " The Farming Interests," waa proposed by Mr Goodfellow, and responded to by Mr Rutheiford. Mr Goodfellow proposed " The Natives" Bnd spoke in high terms of the native character, wheD dealing with natives of the same stamp as those present that evening and coupled the natne of Fenetana to the toast. Penetana, a native well known and respected here as a straightforward man, made a capital speech in response. He felt proud in being one, amongst his pakeha friends that evening, and showing his love to Mr Goodfellow. Mr W. Searancke interpreted. Amongst the toasts, "The Press,'* proposed to by Mr Goodfellow, was responded to by the local representative of The Waikato Times. "Our host, "responded toby Mr Yates. As there were more than the usual number of vocalists present willing and able to sing, to enumerate all is not possible, but Messrs Aubin McGregor, Goodfellow, Chappell. Sinden, and Lynch each contributed several songs, as well as a recitation from Mr S. Short. The evening passed most pleasantly until 2 a.m. ; after singing •'Auld Lang Syne," and then with cheers

and a parting hand-shake, the party broke

up -