Send off To Bandsman H. Burmester.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6698, 16 May 1900, Page 2

Send off To Bandsman H. Burmester.

A full muster of the Band were present at the Royal Hotel for the purpose of giving Bandmaster Burmester a send off, and making him a presentation from the Band, as he had been a most painstaking and energetic member of the Band almost from its inception, and at all times ready and willing to devote his time and abilities for the welfare of the Band.

The Vice-president (Mr "W. T. Wood) was voted to the chair, and opened the proceedings in a neat speech. Mr Park sent an apology for non-at-tendance owing to pressure of other business.

The proceedings commenced with the toast of " The Queen," and the " Army and Navy " coupled with the name of Lieut.-Pringle, who suitably replied. Cornet solo, Bandmaster Meyrick; sons, Bandsman Bowater.

"The Guest of the Evening,' (Mr Burmester), was proposed by thejchairman (Mr W. T. Wood) who spoke in handsome terms of the many good qualities of Mr Burmester, which were brought out during his stay in Palnierston, and he hoped that his promotion to another town would be to his advantage, and that success would attend him in all masters in his future career. Mr "Wood expressed great regret at Mr Burmester's departure from Palmerston. He then handed him a very nice smoker's companion, which was presented to him by the Band as a token of the goodwill existing between himself and the other bandsmen. His health was then drunk in bumpers and with musical honors.

Bandmaster Meyrick followed in a neat speech, eulogising Mr Burmester for the efforts put forth tor the welfare of the Band.

Sergeant Holben also spoke in a similar strain.

Mr Butler, a very old and respected bandsman, then spoke in high terms of praise of Mr Burmester's talent and worth.

Bandsman Jones followed in a few well chosen and good humoured remarks. Lieutenant Pringle also took advantage of the occasion to speak of Mr Burmester's usefulness in business and social circles, and heartily wished Mr Burmester and family every success in their new sphere. Corporal Pickering alluded to the guest in very high terms in connection with band matters and felt that words could not express the good fellowship which had existed between himself and Mr Burmester for a number of years and sincerely regretted that he was about to take his departure from Palmerston and wished him and family eyery success. Song, Bandsman Hutton; song, Bandsman Jones.

Mr Burmester, in rising to respond to the toast of his health, was received with loud and continued applause. He said he felt very sorry that he was about to leave Palmerston, but it gave him great pleasure to know that he was carrying away with him the good wishes of all; but expressed regret that he had been unable, owing to business ties, to devote the time he would have desired to the Band, but what little he had accomplished was done in a spirit of love and not for any personal aggrandisement, and concluded his remarks by expressing his hearty thanks for the treatment he had received from the members of the Band.

Three rousing cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Burmester and family. The Band then rendered a selection which was highly appreciated by the visitors.

Toast, " Our Boys, the New Zealand Contingents in South Africa," coupled with the name of Major Hall. Song. Mr Pickering, " Soldiers of the Queen."

Major Hall reterred in feeling terms to the contingents and said they had done wonders in gaining the honors they had already achieved at the front, and of all the contingents that have been sent, the first contingent had done splendid work under Major Robin. The speaker also alluded in very high terms to the late Drum-Major of the Band (Sergeant-Major Rogers), at the mention of whose name a perfect storm of applause ensued.

Song, Major Hall, " Sons of the Sea." Toast, "Our Local Volunteers," coupled with the names of Major Hall and Lieut. Pringle. Duet, Messrs Holben and Pickering. Major Hall and Lieut. Prinze responded in appropriate terms. ° The toast of " The Ladies " was entrusted to Corporal Pickering, and received full justice at his hands, who coupled it with the name of Mr J. Brophy, who suitably replied. The ''HostandHostess,"wasproposed by Mr Holben, who spoke in high praise of the efforts put forth by Major Hall at all times for the benefit of the Band. Major Hall suitably replied on behalf of himself and wife for the honor conferred on them, and wished the Band every success and prosperity in the future. A most enjoyable evening was brought was brought to a close at midnight with " Auld Lang Syne."