PRESENTATION AT WINCHMORE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7242, 30 July 1907, Page 2

PRESENTATION AT WINCHMORE.

As Mr A. J. Thorne, of Winchmore, has disposed of his farm and is leaving the county about 150 residents and well-wishers assembled on Friday evening to entertain him at a social. ' Mr John Glassey occupied the chair, and _ expressed the regret felt by the' residents of Winchmore in losing such estimable friends as Mr and Mrs Tliorne. Although Mr Thorne was an unassuming man, he had done a great deal in furthering the welfare of the district, and what he undertook to do those present would bear the speaker out m saying that he (Mr Thorne) did thoroughly and conscientiously. That large gathering of their friends showed that Mr and Mrs Thorne were deserved- I [ ly popular, and they all trusted that their guests would live long to enjoy success and popularity in their new home in the North Island. On behalf of the subscribers, Mr Glassey presented to Mr Thorne a gold chain and pendant, suitably inscribed; to Mrs Thorne, a silver-mounted ' and fullyequipped lady's dressing case and jewel casket; to the little Misses Thorne (2), gold brooches; and to Master Thorne, a silver watch and chain.

In proposing tho toast of "The Guests," Mr A. Whitaker said that the Ashburton county could ill afford to lose men like Mr Thome. With those present, the speaker joined in wishing their guests health, happiness and prosperity in their new home.

Mr Tliorne feelingly responded on hehalf of himself ancL family. While he regretted leaving Ashhurton, he had an idea that ho. could bettor himself in the North Island, where he intended to enter into the flax industry.

During the evening a niimher of songs were sung, which, with musical items, dancing, speech and story, made a capital programme. Refreshments were served at intervals, and the gathering was a very successful one.