Farewell Social at Lowburn.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2646, 27 October 1919, Page 5

Farewell Social at Lowburn.

Residents from all parts of the district assembled at Lowburn on 17tli fust., to do honor to Mr M. L. •Spratt and familyon the eve of their departure. The large and representative attendance, including visitors from as far away as Owaka and Roxburgh, coupled with the enthusiasm of the committee of control, and the assistance of the ladies, was an indication of the high esteem in which the departing guests were held. The function arranged was a social, dancing occupying the greater part of the evening, interspersed with various item*, and above all a presentation to Mr and Mrs Spratt. and Mr L. •Spratt. The items contributed were : Recitation, Mr J. R. Webb : duet. Misses M.‘Donald ; song, Mr M. L.

Spratt . Highland dance. Miss Pons ford ; each number being heartily encored. Previous to the principal event of the evening, several apologies for non-attendance were read and regret was expressed that, through illness, Mrs Spratt was unable to attend.

The first speaker was Mr Middleton, who refened to the many who had travelled so far to appropriately farewell Mr Spratt and family. They had been in the district twelve years, and few had the honor, in departing, of leaving so many friends. As a publican, ‘‘ Mick ’’ was out on his own, and if all hotels wore conducted oh the same lines there would not be the present cry for prohibition. As a resident ho hail done well, liberal to any object for the soldiers, while the school children found in him a true friend. His principal sport was horseracing, and next cams the Lowburn Collie Dog Chib, while his son had taken a leading part in many sports. Although Mr Spratt was going away the speaker hoped he wouM still be represented at Cromwell by some of the Lowburn - bred “youngsters." The pupils cf the Lowburn school also' wished to do him honor. Mrs Spratt had proved a worthy resident, kindhearted and generous to all am? sundry, and untiring in her efforts to the community and the travelling public. (Applause.) Mr J. Wood spoke of Mr Spratt’s association with the Collie Dog Club, which he had practically fathered, and the members regretted he was going away. On the school committee the speaker had also worked with Mr Spratt. and his first thoughts were always for the children. He had conducted the Welcome Home Hotel in an admirable manner, to which no exception could be taken, while to all deserving objects he had been liberal beyond limit.

Mr Donald M‘l joan w;is entrusted with the presentation, and said that during their stay in the district Mr Spratt and family had gained great popularity. They came with a reputation which liad been honorably maintained. They had made many lasting friends who regretted their departure.- In presenting Mr \ and Mrs Spratt each with a handsome Mortis chair, the speaker extended the best wishes of t lie community, and sincerely hoped- their guests would enjoy many happy years in the comfort thereof. Their friends wished them well, and hoped Mr and Mrs Spratt would never forget their friends at Lowbnrn. Mr McLean next handed Mr L. Spratt a fountain pen, appropriately referring to his elVnits on behalf of the district.

The next/ appreciation emu: from the school children, several of whom wore assembled on the stage. Miss Chrissic Campbell read the f dlowing address, which accompanied the presentation of a ease of pipes and a cigar ease “To Mr ,\t. L. iSpratt, K-i| :

Ilu ir Sir. —< hi very many occasions yon have been very kind O', and thoughtful of i.hc J/Mwliitrn school children in regard to their pleasures and enjoyments. Mow you are retiring from business and leaving the district; ue, desire you to believe that we have not forgotten these kindnesses and that we are nut ungrateful fur what you have done for us. There lore we have lamed for you a small parting token of our appreeialion. and trust you will accept if as a souvenir of our respect and gratitude for you. We hope that you may have many years yet to live and enjoy a whitl from ’• The Pipe of Peace " and ft Th« digit’ of Southing.” We shall always he interested in your future welfare and fervently hope that .May yog pom all tilings suek Marrow of Mirth and Laughter. And wheresoe'er you move may I,nek Still fling her old shoe after.”* When younger, some of us may have given you annoyance, but your great heart overlooked all that. We know Ufa l !.seated in your Tresuntatiov! Chair and sending out a ‘' Smoke Screen," yr.i will think pleasantly of the bright childish faces yog w ill see in the i'airy Kings around you that- belong to the Lowborn children, and you will always remember them c,s they were in their happy sehoof days. M e wish Mrs Spratt ami you all happiness in your remaining years, and peace he with you and yoip’s,.”

Mr J. Craig, Roxburgh, said lie had known “ Mick ” longer than anyone in the room, lie had known their guest ms a boy 17 years of age, and he was t|(e same now as then, lie always called a spade a spade and ‘ made no error.” lie had* a. heart like a lion and always had fri-s hand in his pocket on behalf of plpinfcy. lie was pleased to see Mr-and Mis Spratt gel such a reception, and hoped they would live long and have a happy time. (Applause) Mr Christie paid G tijbute to Mr Spratbs assistance to the .school and children, to whom he had been the essence of goodness, lla had a big heart and realised what it was to be a child. The speaker thanked Mr and Mrs Spratt for their many kindnesses. On rjdng to reply iy \r Spratt was greeted Vf'th iop.l ap,p!au-e. Tje uuid that of a|l the tokens of esteem the one he appreciated most was that from the school children. The chairs weic very fine, but the children’s : appreciation was a surprise to him, , and he would never forget them.

Continuing, Mr Spratt said lie was in tin' district in the eighties. When he came to reside here twelve years ago he predicted a great future for the district. He regretted going away, but he still had strong opinions of the district and its possibilities. With the railway and electric power the district would go ahead, and their orchards could not be surpassed anywhere in the Dominion. He thanked them one and all for their token of esteem. He had never missed a nomination for the Cromwell Jockey, Club and still hoped to be represented at the next meeting. He bad done what he could for the Deg Club, and was glad it had been a success. In leaving be took the opportunity of presenting the club with a cup for (he next trial. On behalf of Mrs Spratt and himself, he thanked them all, and hoped his successor would be well received. (Applause.) Mr L. Spratt also returned thanks, and said he would look back with pleasure on his residence in Lowburn. He abso presented the Collie Club with a gold medal. Cheers and musical honors were then extended. Refreshments were handed round, and the ladies : attended to this part of the piogtamine 1 in an admirable man'ncr. Dancing continued merrily until the early hours of the.morning.