PATEA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 166, 31 October 1881, Page 2

PATEA.

(from our own correspondent.) Mr. Thos. Fergus, being about to leave the district, having completed the railway works, about thirty friends invited him to a farewell dinner on Thursday evening. The chair was occupied hy Mr. Christie, and the vice by Mr. Taplin. After ample jastlee had heen done toj^ie viands, ably provided by Host Haywood, and the usual loyal toasts had been drunk, the chairman in a concise, elegant, and very apropos speech, proposed the health of our guesfc, expatiating upon the many genial qualities which he possesses, and the many true friends he had made during his stay amongst us. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr. Fergus, in rising to reply, said that he was quite taken by surprise at this expression of esteem, which was entirely undeserved — (cries of "no, no ")— and thanked those present for the kind manner'with which his health had been drunk, assuring them that he had thoroughly enjoyed his stay in the 'district, and hoped to return again at no distant date. He had been surprised at the immense resources of the district, and should always carry with him a happy remembrance of his stay amongst us. The • « West Coast Railway followed, coupled with the names of Messrs. Downes, Proctor and Co., to which Mr. Malcolm replied in suitable terms. Songs and toasts followed, and the company broke up at 1 a.m., after spending a real enjoyable evening. The Volunteers here are told that they will not be required to go out of the district.