LAUDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 31

LAUDER.

I May 8. — A social and dance was held in the Lauder Schoolhouse on Friday evening, Ist inst., by way of saying farewell to Mr and Mrs ; ETiott and family on the eve of their departure from the Lauder district. Mr Elliott has been manager of Blackstone Hill and Lauder stations for over 20 years, and over 200 friends and acquaintan-" 1 ! assembled to bid him and his family good-bye. The school was beautifully decorated with evergreens and ferns for the occasion. A most enjoyable programme of music was given during the evening, songs being contributed by Miss Hoffman, M?ss Mackenzie. Misa Owens, Mis 3 Elliott. Mr Fahey. Mr Armour. Mr Mnrohy, Mr Gerkens. and Mr Francis. Misses Frances and Annie Hanger contributed a pianoforte selection, and Miss Maudie Morgan danced the Highland fling. During the evening Mr E. F. Gerkens, en behalf of the residents of Lnuder and surrounding districts, presented Mi and Mrs Elliott with two handsome travelling bags fated with all accessories, and uitably inscribed with their names and the date, etc., of presentation. Mr Pyle. Mr Laidlnw, Rev. Jlr Gellie, aud Mr Armour, on behalf of the different parts of the district which they represented, made very anpropriate and^ feeling pr.eechos, thanking Mr and Mrs Elliott for their many past kindnesses in this district and for the good that they had rendered in many matters connected with the welfare of the district, and expressing their sincere regret at | th^ir ir-Tended denartu'e. Mr Elliott, in a r.oat and appropriate speech, feelingly replied on behalf of himself and Mrs Elliott and family. At intervals during the evening dancing was indulged in, and refreshments handed round. A most successful evening was brought to a close by the singing of 'Auld lang syne," when the many friends of Mr and Mrs Elliott finally bade them God-speed and good-bye, and dispersed to their homes at 4

a.m., afbr one of the most enjoyable evening? ever spent in Lauder.