STARBOROUGH.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 40, 17 February 1902, Page 3

STARBOROUGH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A farewell social was tendered by the residents of the Awatere to Mr and Mrs R. Turnbull on the eve of their departure for Springfield. Although the weather looked threatening all the evening, eighty ladies and gentlemen, representatives from all parts of the district, put in an appearance. Everyone was in a good humor, and the settlers present were afforded added enjoyment in listening to the sweet sounds of the rain falling on the window panes. The residents having subscribed towards a presentation, a handsome marble clock was obtained, and inscribed as follows: To Mr and Mrs R. Turnbull from the residents of Awatere, Seddon, 14th February, 1902. At 11 p.m., Mp G. M. Gunn, on behalf of the residents, addressing the guests of the evening, spoke feelingly of the regret that was generally felt at their departure from the district, where they had by their courtesy and willingness to assist in all matters, social and official, made themselves deservedly popular, and in the name of the residents he had the greatest pleasure in handing them a marble clock, subscribed for by all classes of the community. Three cheers were then given. Mr Turnbull, in returning thanks for Mrs Turnbull and himself, stated that he was not deserving of all the nice things that had been said about him ; that he and Mrs Turnbull were very sorry indeed to have to go away ; that he would have liked to remain till the line was completed ; and that he hoped they would return when work was resumed on the railway. In conclusion he thanked the people of the Awatere very much for their handsome present, which was quite unexpected. Mr P. Chapman also made a brief but feeling speech, in which he apologised for the absence of several who, unfortunately, were not able to be present, especially mentioning Mr and Mrs Vavasour, of Ugbrooke. An apology was also received from Mr F. H. Richmond. During the evening, instrumental*selections were given by Misses Todd, Turnbull, Hay, O'Brien, and Harden, Mesdames F. Barnes and Turnbull, Messrs Craig and R. Hay ; songs were suag by Misses Batty, O'Brien, Humphreys, Mrs Wood, and Messrs Hay and Bursill; and a repitafcion was capitally given by Mr Chrisr tiari, & visitor to the district Altogether the social was roost enjoyable, especially the supper—elderly correspondents think a lot of supper—provided and managed by the ladies. " Auld Lang Syne," sung by all with joined hands, closed the evening (?) at two in the morning.