MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 407, 12 March 1879, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

(From a correspondent.) March 8. Mr AND Mrs Hknderson were entertained at a farewell dinner and ball in the blockhouse here last night, on the occasion of their leaving for Okato, Taranaki, Mr Henderson having lately purchased a farm in that locality. Mr and Mrs Henderson are among the oldest settlers in Manutahi, and are highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. A good muster of their friends to ihe number of about fifty, including over twenty ladies, sat down to a very excellent dinner, provided by Messrs (Jarrol and Campbell, of the Manutahi Hotel, whoso arrangements throughout elicited wellmerited praise from all present. The chair was taken by H. S. Peacock, Esq., ably supported by Mr 0, Symes in the vice-chair. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given (among which the Marquis of Normanby, our ex-Governor, was very heartily welcomed), “Our Guests” was proposed in an appropriate speech by the chairman, and was received with the utmost enthusiasm, and drank with musical honors. Mr Henderson, in a feeling speech, thanked his friends for the honor done himself and Mrs Henderson. He said that, though leaving the district (which he incidentally remarked was one of the finest he had seen in New Zealand), he would always remember with pleasure the numerous friends he had made here, and the happy time he had spent in Manutahi. “The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests” was next proposed by Mr E. J. Morgan, and responded to by Mr R. B. Hamilton, who enlarged on the wonderful improvements lately made in labor-saving machinery. “ The Patea Harbour Works ” followed, given by Mr D, Ginger. Mr W. Balmforth, member of the Harbour Board, replied, giving some valuable information with regard to the works in progress, an.cl gaid that he hoped in a short time the harbour would be so far improved as to place Patea on an equality with - other ports more favoured by nature. Other toasts followed, among, which were “ The Patea S.S. Co.” by Mr W. Balmforth, responded to by Mr E. W. Foreman, one of the directors, who stated that the company were not afraid of competition, which he believed was the life of trade. The time-honored toast, “ The Ladies,” was not forgotten by Mr J. G. Ginger, Mr Guthrie returning thanks on behalf of the ladies. Several good songs wore sung at intervals, which contributed much to the enjoyment of the company. At 11 p.m. the tables were removed, and dancing commenced, which was kept up with spirit till early dawn—Mr J. Christie acting as M.C. The committee, which consisted of some of the oldest settlors, are deserving of great credit for the able manner in which the whole arrangements were conducted, the tasteful decoration of the rooms being especially admired. •