FAREWELL BANQUET.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7377, 1 February 1902, Page 2

FAREWELL BANQUET.

The banquet tendered by the Hawera Borough Band and their friends to their late Bandmaster, Mr T. H. Hughes, prior to his departure for the Old Country was a most successful and pleasant function. About 40 sat down in the Foresters' Hall on Friday night to the dainty repast provided by Host Keen, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Me J. H. Stevens presided, and Mr B. C. Bobbins occupied the vice-chair, but, having to leave early owing to a prior engagement, was succeeded by Mr B. Bobinson.

After the toast of " The King," Mr W. Wells proposed the toast of " The Mayor, Borough Council, and Townspeople's Committee of the Borough Band," coupled with the names of Messrs Bobbins and McAneny. Mr Bobbins, in responso, said that when Mr Hughes loft this place for the Old Country he would carry away with him the best wishes of the band, over which be had so ably presided. He believed that they had a Borough Council that would uphold them as a band as far as they possibly could. A band, like other volunteer movements, had to devote a lot of their sparo time to practice, and when they played it was solely for the benefit of the public. The band had not been scanty in their playing outside, and as soon' as he could see the way clear he would strongly advocate having an up •to - date rotunda built within a reasonable distance, of the centre of the town. He was very sorry indeed that they, had to parb with Mr Hughes, especially under the circumstances in which he went. He was sure that they all joined in wishing Mr Hughes a safe and pleasant voyage and the best possible results from the expert advice he was going to obtain about his eyesight, and he could always be sure of a hearty welcome when he returned. (Applause.) Mr McAneny also briefly replied to the toast. Personally, he was in hopes of living to see Hawera extend right along High street, as far as the Waiugongoro, dotted with villa residences.

Mr B. Bobinson, in proposing the toast of the guest of the evening, said he had always found Mr Hughes straightforward and upright. He had brought the band on well, although he had had a very hard time of it, as, instead of having a good lead of three or four cornets, he had practically one beside He wished Mr Hughes and his family every sucoess and prosperity wherever they went. (Applause.)

Mr Hughes, in responding, thanked them kindly for the hearty manner in which they had drunk the health of himself and family, and for all the kind things that had been said by the previous speakers. As far as the band was concerned, he had, as Mr Bobinson had said, had hard work, but he was glad to say he has had a certain amount of pleasure in it. He could say, as he had said before, that it was the best band he had evor had under his baton in the colonies. They had often had to turn out at very short notice, and he had always found the members willing to fall in with his wishes in every way. He again thanked them all fcr their kindness. (Applause.)

Mr Mcßobbie then proposed the toast of " Our Patrons," which was duly responded to by Messrs Whittington, jnr., and J. P. Keen.

Mr H. Boss, on behalf of (he band, then presented Mr Hughes with a handsomely framed photo group of the band, and also an illuminated address, whioh read as follows : — To Mr T. H. Hughes. Dear Sir,— As members of the Hawera Borough Band we attach our signature os a token of the esteem in which you were held during your torm as bandmaster. Great is our sorrow at your departure from us, as no oause was too small or trouble too great to aohieve the band's success. As bandmaster you have proved yourself an able and capable conductor, and to you we owe the present efficiency of the band. Ever will the band review your past work, and hope in the future we may see you return with health and strength renewed. Wishing you God-speed, evor are we (here follow the 23 signatures of the bandsmen). January 29th, 1902. Mr Hughes, in reply, said he must thank them very much for the address and the photo group whioh they had presented him. They would always be something to look at as long as he lived.

Mr De Clifton proposed the toast of " Brother Bands," which was responded to by Messrs E. Tait and New, of the Manaia Band.

Mr E. Irwin proposed the toast of " Our Officers," coupled with the names of Messrs Boss and Morrissey, who duly responded. The toasts of " The Ladies," proposed by Mr White, and responded to by Mr Boss, and "The Press," proposed by Mr Boss, and responded to by the Star representative, were also duly honored.

Tho following gentlemen contributed songs during the evening: Messrs Fraser, Keen, Parker, H. Sargent, New, Young, and Wells (Mr White acting as accompanist), a reoita-

tion by Mr A. Coffey, and some ventriloquism by Mr Bobinson. At the close, cheers for Mr Hughes were heartily given.