COUNTRY CORRESPONDENSE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9606, 4 September 1911, Page 6

COUNTRY CORRESPONDENSE.

(From Oub Own Cobbespondents.) TOKOMARU. VALEDICTORY. If evidence had been wanting as to tho popularity of Mr and Mrs Mcßao and family,- it could have been found in tho very iargc gathering of friends and wellwishers who , ae6cmblod on Friday evening, in the Tokomaru Hall, to bid them farewell, on-the eve of their departure for the Auckland district. Tho function took the form of a social and dance, and was an unqualified success, tho, proceedings being most hearty. On behalf of tho local residents, Mr Webb, head teachor of the public school,' in a very neat and pleasing speech, voiced tho feelings of those present with regard to the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Mcßao and family aro held. Mr Webb was heartily applauded. lio then presented Mr Mcßao with a- handsome silver tray suitably inscribed, -as a tokon of goodwill and remembrance from his many friends. Mr Mcllae responded on ■ behalf of his wife and family, and thanked tho people for their good wishes, and for the valuable present. Ho also received hearty applause. During the evening songs woro rendered 'by Mrs Webb, Miss Kelly, Mr T. Judd, and a, sword dance by Mr.Venn. Miss McKen?,io presided at tho piano. Extras Vi'ero played by Mrs Waghorn, Miss R. Kelly, and Mr A. Judd. Great credit is due to Mesdames Judd, A. J. Whyte, Browne, and Southee for their untiring energy which oonduced to make tho function such a success, .

SHANNON. Mr E. Butt, senr.j has disposed of his farm on the County road to Mr Chas. Stevens, who will take possession shortly. Mr Butt will still continue to run ■ his Kingston road farm, where he intends to reside.

Sincere sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs T. Gardiner whose little one passed away on Sunday last. Tho funeral took place on Wednesday. The Rev. GV Palmer performed tho last rites.

Tho Arch Druid presided over a largo meeting ; of tho U.A.O.D, oil Thursday, it being quarter night. Ono new member was initiated and two proposed, A committee was formod to make the preliminary arrangements for tho sports, which the ; Druids intend holding on the recreation ground, and a committee consisting of Bros. E. J. King, R. Bilderbeck, E. Sutton were appointed to make tho necessary arrangements for a ladies' night on September 14th. They decided that, the entertainment should take the form of progressive euchre, for which prizes should be given, to be followed by a dance, At the close of the meeting a musical evening was held; songs wero sung by Bros. ICirkland, Cameron, and Bovis, while Bros. Tippler and Bovis played selections. Bro. Bilderbeck gave somo splendid music on his gvamaphono. Miss Wood, ono of our oldest residents, passed away at 3.50 p.m. on Thursday. The funeral will take place on Sundav, at 2.30. The public school closed on Friday for ono week. On Thursday afternoon a very pleasing incident occurred in tho school house, when Mr Bilderbeck, acting-chair-man of tho school committee, presented Miss Silvester (who is severing her connection with tiie teaching staff of the school to enter the bonds of matrimony) with a handsome sot of calvers from the committee, and Mr Voyscy, headmaster, presented her with a solid silver brush and comb suitably inscribed, from tho fccholars. Many nice things were said by both gentlemen in making the presentation. MJss Silvester having held the position here for five years, her departure will leave a gap that will tab some considerable time to fill; she is much liked and respected by all who know her, especially her scholars. In tho evening Mr F. G. A. Couper presented hor ijnd Mr W. Law with a handsome eilver-mountcd oak salad bowl and servers on behalf of the Venerable Bcde's church choir. Mr Law suitably replied. Measles still continues to rage in Shannon. It is estimated that there are over 60 cases in tho township. . Several ,big catches of whitebait have been made this season close to the Shannon bridge.