SHAG POINT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2167, 5 September 1895, Page 24

SHAG POINT.

August 31.— A number of friends mot at the Pukerete Hotel la.it Monday evening, S4th inst., to bid farewell to a few of their number who are l>aviDg the district to take, up Government blocks under the auspices of the Shag Point Association in the Catlin's diatrict. Mr A. Weston (Allandale), who presided, said he was pl-ased to see such a number present that evening to assist him in bidding farewell to tboir friends and in conveying their. be* t withes to them in their haaardous undertaking, refers ing briefly to the difficulties to be contended with in embracing a scheme of that kind with no capital. MrG Smith, who proposed the toast of " Our 6u< at*," complimented them upon their energetic attempt to hid farewell to the coal industry and to settle upon a permanent footing for the future with their •wives and families, stating that it was a gloomy outlook for the future for those depending upon the coal industry in Otago. Mr Torranoe proposed the toast of " The Allaudale and Shag Point Bras* Band," saying that owing to a few who are leaving being members of the b«nd, th«y thought it neceßr&rv* to place that toast upon tha programme. Mr Graham, in responding, s>aid he was sorry to say the band was sot supported in tbe manner it deserved in their community. Mr Smith briefly proposed the toast of "Our Inktitutions," ceupled with the names of Mtaan Torrance and We*ton. Mr Torranee, in responding, briefly referred to a few scheme* which are occupying the brains of members of the Education Bjard— the cliusincation scheme, etc.— expressing the opinion that not enough power was conferred on country committees ; alto that in hi* opinion the -services of many branches could be dispensed with in order to ensure economy. Mr Weston gave a brief review of the various inttitutions, also a few statistics of tho Alla&d«!e Sick and Accident Society, statin? that with an averago of 30 members durintt last year, at 6J per week, they had disbursed £48 iv relieving sick claims and incidental expeuw, and had wound up with a balance of £5 Being a yearly society, they divided this sum amongst member*, each member's share coming to 10« 4d. Referring to education matUrs, he wai pleaded to see that the Committees' Conference had taken up the question of the inadequate allowances to the committees by way of capiution from the board. Their committee was almost reduced to the sweating ay«t*m to make ends meet. Tho speaker also made a fow suggestions relative to the interchange annually of inspectors, expressing the opinion that if the system had been in vogu<* it would have prevented the Waiarrka fiasco. The toast of "The Host and Hostess " was duly honoured. A number of songs wera sung dm ing the ovening by the following .-—Messrs Dunsmoro, Graham, Smith, Weiton, Simpson, Burt and Tohastone ; asd some excellent rocitationa were given, particularly " Bunane A>am's Dr.am," by Mr G. Smith, a passage from "The I^dy of the Lake," by Mr Torrance, and " Wattle and Meg," by Mr $.. Hill. Mr Torrance, in propo-iDg the toaet of The Chairman," stated that it was chiefly due to that gentleman. that they were enahled to be present that evening, and whilst winning prosperity to their guests he was -plensed to find their chairman was not amongst them, as he bad proved himaalf an acquisition to their locality, and hs hoped he would long bo spared nmooir t&oin. The Cltairmau in responding said that the comiJlment paid to him that evening more than repaid klm for his efforts in convening tbe gathering, as he took it upon himself as a matter of self-respect to Rtnray their best wishes to tbtir departing fri«dj>. He always would try and do his duty towards them, and as long as his efforts vero appreciated that was ample payment. The singing of "Auldlang syne terminated a very plea*aat evening.