OT»WA

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 39

January 29. — A compliments) y social was tendered in the Otama Hall on Friday. 24th, by a large number of the 9hareholdeis of the Southland Farmers' Co-operative Association to Mr Jas. White, of Wendon, as a recognition of the services which he has lendered as a director of the association during a period of six years. The gathering >vas very representative, as many of those present came long distances to do honour to Mt "White. Mr W. Waddell, of Rough Craig, presided, and in the course of his remarks said that he would have come three times the distance through frost and snow rather than miss the opportunity of giving expression to his appreciation of the guest of the evening. The utmost goodfellowship prevailed during the evening, and a pleasant time was spent in song and dance and talking of harvest prospects Songs by Misses Eggleton, Forbes, and Archibald, and Messrs Stewart and Millar, also recitations by Messrs Logan and Lopdall, found gieat acceptance with the audience. Mr A. Murdoch. " Altrwe," proposed the toast of the '' Agricultural and pastoral interests." which was responded to by Mr Thos. Logan, Mr Alexand-er Stewart proposing " Commercial interests," Mr A. "Wayte responding. The chairman proposed the toast of the guest of the evening, and gave an interesting sketch of Mr White's earlier career, which was characterised by indomitable pluck and perseverance It would be superfluous to name all the public affairs Mr White had been interested in, but it was necessaiy to individualise one, the Southland Farmers' Association. On behalf of the shareholders Mr Waddell then presented Mr White with a massive illuminated address, a. lovely work of art, and bearing the following inscription:— "Dear Sir,— On behalf of a large number of shareholders of the Southland Farmers' Association, we deaire to place on record our appreciation of the services which during a period of six years you have rendeied as a director. You have ungrudgingly devoted much time in forwarding the interests of shareholders, and have earned out your obligations in a most faithful and conscientious manner. By your devotion to duty and your determination* to do what is right you have won the esteem and confidence of us all. We aseure you that we shall watch with interest your future career, and are confident that you will meet with the success that is your due. We request you to accept this address as an expression of the high esteem in which you are personally held, and of the hearty appreciation that is felt for your unwearied service.". May health find prosperity attend you through life. We- are, yours faithfully." Here follow the signatures Messrs Alexander Murdoch, Win. Key. John M'Kay. and Alexander Stewart also speke in eulogistic terms of Mr White, who in responding said that he was overcome with the warmth of his reception, and of the kind things they had said about him. The address he would always cherish. He was handicapped from taking an interest -in public affairs by living so far out of the way but he had done his best He would never forget their kindness. Tea, cakes, fruit, etc , weie dispensed by th« ladies present, and the singing of " Auld lang syne " brought an enjoyable evening to a close

Shooting.— The shooting match for the Yule Cup took pla«e at the range in Otama, when Sergeant Gerken topped the score. There was a number of ladies present who also shot for prizes presented by the troopers, Mrg G-. Gerken find Miss Cameron being first and second. Tea and edibles were dispensed, and a pleasant afternoon's outing was enjoyed. Weather — The weather is still dry, and grass burnt up Harvesting is in full swing and if this weather contimies will be all in directly

School. — Our school reopened on Tuesday when there was a fair muster.