WAIMATUKU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 29

WAIMATUKU.

July 22. — Mr William Strang having built a new and picturesque dwellinghouse on his property, and having got it finished in the most satisfactory manner, his many friends and neighbours invited him to a banquet provided by the ladies of the district in the Public Hall on Friday evening, 14th inst., for the purpose of presenting him, on the eve of his marriage, with a tangible token of the ebteeni in which he is held and the appreciation of his many good qualities and obliging disposition. The presentation consisted of an illuminated address, ready to adorn his new dwelling, and a purse of sovereigns. The chair was occupied by Mr John Fraser, who ably discharged his duties in his usual hearty manner. The presentation was in the hands of Mr T. Stobo, who, in a poetic little speech, amid the applause of tho audience, handed i-ver to Mr Strang the address and purse, when the audience, giving three hearty cheers, joined in singing "For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr Strang feelingly rplied, remarking particularly on the pleasure it gave him to see on the address the signatures of some of the older and most respected residents. The proceedings were interspersed throughout with song and sentiment, a powerful local string band being in full muster, aided t.y the Messrs J3!ue (Waianiwa) and Miss .\TKenzie (piano), ncH'.ug ro little enjoyment to the evening's proceedings. Songs were sung by Miss M'Kenzie, Miss Brown, Mrs Weir, and Messrs J. S. Brown, A. Weir, J. Blue, W. Barron, and W. Fraser. Votes of thanks were proposed to " The promoters of this presentation " by Mr D. Fraser, replied to by Mr Southern; "The ladies for their generous assistance towards the evening's enjoyment," by Mr W. Gray, replied to humorously by Mr S. M'Gaw; and "The string band and singers," by Mr D. M'Kenzie. The audience thereafter joined in singing " Auld lang syne," bringing to a close, according to the verdict oi all, a most enjoyable evening. The young folk then cleared the hall of seats, and, along with a sprinkling of the " auld," tripped the light fantastic for a couple of hours or so, when sill went I ome thorough'y 'cased with their evening uu'