REEFTON NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1922, Page 3

REEFTON NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) The residents of Waithua assembled at the residence of Mr and Mrs’J. Williams, for the purpose, of bidding farewell to Mr and Mrs Meharry, who have disposed of their dairy factory to the newly-formed Co-opcrati/e Society, and purpose leaving for the North Island in the course of a few days. During tho function, the splendid programme that had been arranged by Mr J. B. Bertie, consisting of songs, recitations, monologues, impromptu speeches, Irish jigs, and sailors’ hornpipes, made a most enjoyable evening. Mr R. Roberts then announced that he had been asked to perform a very pleasing duty, and that was, on beh:ilf of the residents of Waithua, to ask Mr Meharry to accept as a token of goodwill and the high esteem in which he was held by his many friends, a beautiful brief bag, with a silver plate on it most neatly inscribed, lie, paid a great tribute to Dave, not only as the manager of Cronadun Dairy Factory, but as a gentleman and true | sport. He felt sure that the Cronadun Football Club would sincerely regret his departure. Both in private and public, he had found their guest, together with his good wife, at all times willing to assist any persons in distress. (Loud applause.) The speaker, when he said he felt sorry to lose Dave, was expressing the universal opinion of those present. In conclusion he wished both Mr and Mrs Meharry every success in their new home in the sunny North. (Cheers.) Mr Tom Gilmer then came forward, and said that there was something greater yet to bo done, and that was to :.sk Mrs Meharry on behalf of her many lady friends, to accept from them a handsome dressing case, suitably inscribed, as a memento of their goodwill towards her. Mr Gilmer paid a glowing tribute to Mrs Meharry for her lady-like actions and also for her bciieficient net’s of charity to people in ■ distress. In conclusion, on behalf of the settlers of the district, he wished Mr and Mrs Meharry every success in their new home, ami also stated that should Providence not elsewhere shine upon them, there would always be a welcome for them to return to Waithua. (Applause.) Mr Mt-harry, on rising to return thanks, was greeted with cheers. He said words failed to adequately convey tlie feeling of himself and his wife on this occasion. Their kind remarks and feelings, together with their handsome gifts, evoked feelings of gratitude and regret intermingled. His heart was too full for words, but he wished to state that, any little act of kindness that had been performed by Mrs Meharry end himself was only a labour of love. In reference to sport he said he loved to play football, and supposed that while health and strength favoured him, he would at all times be found on the field. This send off and presentation had come as a surprise to him. After all, it was pleasing to think that his actions had been appreciated. He once again thanked them on behalf of his wife ami himself, and fully assured them that their gifts would be ever treasured. Iu conclusion he wished the settlers in the district every success, ami trusted that the slump now prevailing would soon come to an end, and that the farmers would reap the reward they so richly deserved. (Applause.) The singing of “Auld Lang Sync” terminated a very pleasing function. 'The accompaniments for the various items were very nicely played by Alias Julia Williams. Messrs J: a Patterson and W. J. Morris left Reefton last evening for Christchurch on business connected with the formation of a new Progress League. Mr Louis Singer, of Blackball, arrived in Reef ton yesterday in company with his wife and proceeded to the Mananin Springs to-day. Mr Singer

is a sufferer from rheumatism, arid we trust that the springs will prove bencfcial to him. A verv enjoyable evening was given by Miss Greta McGee to farewell Freddie Ilawken on the eve of his departure for Australia. Vocal items were contributed by Masters Dunean. Blackmore, Taffe, Downie, Cilsinnan, andCollis, Misses Tafi'e, W. H. Flannogan, and Collis were among the number present. Miss Greta Medea, in her usual attractive style, danced, as also did little Miss Chamberlain, who gave an Irish jig. At the eon-

Insi.m of a very dainty supper, Maser Alex Robertson, on lielialf of the piests present, presenter! Fred with ’ very nice pocket wallet, and in doing 0 wished him a good trip rind a safe ■efurii home in time to play cricket ,vith them. Fred thanked them rill uid only wished they wore all going ogether. The singing of “lie’s.:, lolly Good Fellow” rind “Auld Lang gyue” brought the evening to an end. Miss Clarice Brookes presided at the piano. Mr F>. Costello, of the New Zealand Railways, who has been on a visit to Re,.Hon 10 see his mother, 1. ft this morning for the North Island. At a meeting ot the Trotting Club Committee the election ot officers resulted : — Stewards: Messrs Crumpton, Fielding, McGillicuddy, Galbraith, Lockington’ Lochore. V. Mori, Fagan, E. Loughnan. Ilamlir-apper, 11. Brinkman. Judge, F. Robinson. Clerk of Seales: F. McCaffrey. Starter: F. Iloehe lo be asked to act. Clerk ot Course: N. Collins. Timekeepers: A. M. Carroll, F. Hawken, T. Galbraith. Judicial Committee: M. Fagan, R. Loehore, Crumpton, Cohen, Galbraith.

Ground. Committee! Mori, McGillicuddy, Brooks. Programme Committee: President, vicc-President, Lochore, G. G. Lockington, Galbraith, Fagan. Auditor: T. 11. Lee. It was decided to retain the seconds system of starting. REEFTON GLEE CLUE. The above Club gave its first concert on Wednesday last to a crowded house. The programme was enjoyed by all present, and the various items thoroughlymerited the applause they commanded. After Mr A. Carrol, in the absence of Mr Bclshaw, opened tho proceedings in a few well chosen remarks, pointing out the benefit to the district of such a society, which would be always ready to assist any deserving object, tho musical programme was opened with the National Anthem, which was splendidly rendered by the Club, and was followed by a most enjoyable overture by Air Rouse’s orchestra. Airs Sharp sang “Bless You” in her usual good style, and was loudly applauded. The tenor solo and male chorus “Tlie Image of a Rose” by Messrs Berti (soloist), Auld, Crumpton, Corrin an.l Rosewall, was a musical treat. Miss Harvey sang “Fleurette,” which was loudly applauded. Mr Dick Roberts sang “The Lighthouse Bell” and as an encore, “Shipmates of Mine,” being specially good. “Como, for it’s Juno” and an encore “Tho Star,” were sweetly rendered by Miss Doris Rivers. “Dear Old Homo of Mine’’ and “Kiss a Miss” (encore) were finely executed by Airs Sharpe and Miss Armstrong, as was also the latter’s solo, “Pretty Kitty Kelly.” Mr Berti was in good voice, and his items “Bianca” and “King’s Minstrel” were artistically rend-ered. Afiss Scar left’s “Slave Song” was sung with much expression as was her duct with Mr Berti “Land of Long Mr Cullen’s rendering of “My Dream” was loudly encored. He responded with “Friend O’ Mine.” The items contributed by the Glee Club were well received. The conductor, Air J. Berti, controlled some 30 voices, tho soprano and alto sections being specially good in some of the numbers. lie is evidently painstaking in his work, and thoroughly deserves the. commendation bestowed on him by those present. In “Sot’tly Fall the Shades of Evening,” “Anchored,” and “Sleep, Gentle Lady” the voices blended beautifully. In these numbers the Club achieved its best efforts, while the humorous quartette “Pro-Phundo Basso,” in the capable hands of Mesdamcs Dick and Rouse and Messrs Berti and Auld, was splendidly rendered. “Old Mother Hubbard’’ brought forth great applause, and Mr Crumpton as Mother Hubbard brought down the house. During the community singing, which was quite a new feature of the entertainment, the audience joining in the popular items selected, tlie conductor called upon Miss Harvey to sing the latest community song “Old .Man Care,” which was received with greatapplause. Miss Hopkirk accompanied the various items with credit. A most enjoyable entertainment was brought te a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” by all present. > word of praise is due tv Messrs R. - nt l J. Lawery, th.' stage manages, for their excellent arrangements; also to Mr Berti for the beautiful gramme submitted to the public under his able tutorship.