Banquet at Scott's Gap.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 349, 16 January 1912, Page 4

Banquet at Scott's Gap.

FAREWELL TO MR. MURDOCH McKAY.

The Scott's Gap Public Hall was packed on Friday evening ,last, when the people of the district assembled to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Murdoch McKay, who recently disposed of their farm at Scott's Gap to Mr Joseph Chiids, of Riverton, and intend retiring into private life and settling m Invercargill. The function took the form of a banquet, the tables, which fairly groaned under the weight of choice viands, being artistically decorated.

Mr Dickson occupied the chair, and, m the course of his introductory remarks, said they had met to bid a formal farwell to two of the oldest settlers m Scott's Gap, Mr and Mrs McKay. He referred to the esteem and respect everyone had for their guests, whose excellent neighbourly qualities -would be greatly missed. Mr McKay had taken a* prominent part m the progress of the district, and had been greatly instrumental m getting the Aparima railway siding, the school and the post-office, as well as their own hall, which they were using that night. He then called on Mr Patterson to make the presentation to Mr McKay. Mr Patterson then.presented Mr McKay with a handsome dressing case, subscribed for by the people of the district, and m doing so remarked that the 'souvenir would serve to remind the recipient of the district m which he resided. The speaker re

ferrel m glowing terms to the worth of Mr and Mrs McKay. Mrs A. Palton, m presenting Mrs McKay with a silver teapot and hot water can, referred briefly and warmly to the sterling and neighbourly quali-j^ ties of that lady. Mr McKay m suitable terms, acknowledged the gifts made to himself and Mrs McKay, and heart ily thanked them all for their good wishes. The toasts honoured during; the . evening were :— " The King," "L-joal Industries," « Our Guepts," • The Ladies," "The Press," and " The Chairman." Other ppeakers were Messrs P- Brown, Jas Bradley (Belmont), A. Balfcoo, J. N. Gallan, W. J. Wesney, and others. During the evening the following contributed to a musical and elocutionary programme : — Mr A. Clapp (sons), Miss Clapp (song, encored), Mr J. N. Gallan (song, encored), Mr Wesney (recitation) and Master McKay (recitation, encored). When the banquet portion of the eeremo-ay had been completed, hail was cleared and danoing was"iui dulged m for several hours to excell- , er»t music supplied by Messrs Clothier, Mclnerney and Salton.