SOCIAL IT MILTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2779, 19 June 1907, Page 9

SOCIAL IT MILTON.

(Fbom Oub Own Coß&ESPOxnEirr.) On Friday evening a very pleasing function took place in the Coronation Hall, when some friends numbering about 200 met to say fjrrewell to one of the oldest families in Tokomairiro, in the persons of Messrs Thomas, David, and the Misses Bessie and Jessie Falconer, who have lately sold their farm and intend seeking fresh fields and pastures new. The function took the form of a social evening, and the hall was very prettily decorated for the occasion. Dancing and games were indulged in, and at 11 o'clock Mr J. A. Duthie called everyone to be seated, and the guests and their relations occupied seats beside the chairman on the stage. Mr Duthie said that it was with feelings of deep regret he had to say goodbye to the Falconer family. He remembered the late Mr and Mrs Charles Falconer since his boyhood, and although they had gone to that land from whence no traveller returns, they had left a family which had done, them credit, and also the district in which they resided. He pictured tbe days when the old settlers were on board the ships bound for New Zealand, and the hardships they had endured to make this country what it is now. The children had followed in their parents' footsteps, being hardworking and peaceable men and women. He felt sure that Tokomairiro was losing some of its best inhabitants, but their loss would be some other district's gain. Although they were going away, he hoped they would always remember the district of their birth. He had much pleasure in handing to them, on behalf of their many friends in Tokomairiro and Milton, as a token of the love and esteem in which they were held, two beautiful gold alberta to Messrs Thomas and David, and two handsome muff chains to the Miases Bessie and Jessie. — (Loud applause.) Mr Wm. Moore (ex-Mayor) endorsed all that the chairman had said, and Mr Wm. Taylor, a very old resident, also said a few words. Mr Thomas Falconer, on behalf of his brother and himself, sincerely thanked those present for their hearty expressions of goodwill, and for the handsome presents, which would always keep them in remembrance of scenes of childhood and maintain in their hearts an affection for Tokbmajnro and its people — (Applause ) Mr John Parlane, in a few appropriate remarks, responded on behalf of the Misses Falconer. Supper was served by the ladies, and the rest of the evening- was spent in dancing, games, and song, and on the chairman calling for three cheers for their guests they were heartily given, ar.d accompanied by " For they are jolly good fellows."

When <he Parihaka. Natives were recently finoil for havinf liquor at the kamsja at the time of Tohu's death they declined to pay. and preferred to "take it out"' on principle. They were going to make martyrs of themselves in the interests of their raeo. and when their time expired they would be feted and treated as heroes. Much to their annoyance, someone paid the fines and they were liberated when their time was only half up. They were reluctant to Irave, and they had to be pushed away from the prison. They returned to their homes stripped of the martyrdom, and a korero (eaya the Opunake Times) was all that took place. Where food is scarce molasses should be used with straw chaff to keep up the quality and quantity of milk all through the winter. , "NTimmn auici Blair supply it....

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