RIVERSDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2202, 14 May 1896, Page 25

RIVERSDALE.

May 12.— Although there bas been ver,y little tSriows to scud from here of late the last week or so ■lisw been quite exciting in consequence of the departure of Mr and Mrs 11. S. Valentine from the "district. On Monday, the 4th inst , a banquet was tendered to Mr Valentino, at which there was fireat epecchif yingby all tbegreAt folks of Gere and the surrounding district. Mr Valentine is 'coming out once more to ftgtit & political "battle— in Wallace this time— mad ■everyone here believes iie will win easily, as he -has on unbeaten itcor.d, and is very popular with the people. Following rloaely on the spread to Mr V^lentinethtre was a unique (gathering in "the Drill Hall on Thursday last to wish Hra Valentine Godspeed. The iladiea of Jiiversdale and district determined not to be outdone by the men folk', and although the weather "was .wretched th*y got' up quite a demonstration Jor the occasion. Arrangements had been comjiletea for making a presentation to Hits Valentine nt* social which was held in the .afternoon 'Some -B0 ladies were present, Mrs Joseph Sm&ill being in the chair, .and in a most -appropriate speech »he Get Turth thfe good qualities of the guest, dwelling upoa theonany acts of kindness shu lisa performed since sbe carve amongst them, and how inuoh.she would be missed by the community. Several 'other ladies spoke in a similar strain, and Altogether there was quite an enthusiastic meeting. At the conclusion of the ceromony Mk ■Valentine was presented with a .handsome gold.jueunttd purse suitably inscribed. Mrs Valena neat speech replied to all -the nice-things ■that were said shout "her, and 'thanked the ladies •of -the district for their handsome present. She Ttgief.ted leaving, but said she would 'ever have a •kindly fe.-ling for th<*e shchad left behind. The •meeting, which was thoroughly representative, 'enjoyed a capital afternoon, tru.-re being a well»jreatl board, provided from tar aud near, as well 'as somrf excellent music contributed by several of the ladies. Borne very touching proofs of the segard in which Mrs Valentine in held by the people were given during the af terno 'n, and the meeting was brought to a close by thy singing of •" Auld lang syne " in good old style.