A TOKO FUNCTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 56, 20 October 1911, Page 4

A TOKO FUNCTION.

UNITED CHURCH SOCIAL,

(From a Correspondent.)

Ino much-talked-about social, got up by the members of the united enurchos, under the able leadership of Mr E. T. King, took place in the Toko Coronation Hall on Timrsday evening, 12st inst., and was, without h doubt, the most amusing and interesting entertainment yet held hero; so much so, that 'the general public are clamouring for a return, which will take place shortly. In spite of the inclement state of the weather, the Hall was comfortably filled, quite a number coming considerable distances; had nbe night been fine—well, our spacious up-to-date hall would have been quite small enough. The varied and lengthy programme was an eye-opener, as all tne performers are local amateurs, and their acting was quite up to the professional standard, as seen m the larger centres. The items " ere put through smartly and smoothly, and a more convincing proof of the appreciation of the audience could not be shown than the frequent hearty and hilarious applause. Programme.— Gramaphone selections, Mr Max Gornhoerer; song, Mrs Kennedy; song, Mr N. Day; dialogue, “A Dissatisfied Couple”—Mrs Fog (Miss Morrison), Hubby Fog (Mr C. Jieloe) call on the patient domestic arbitrator Lawyer Bland (Mr W. H. \\ ere) re a divorce, but are advised to patch over the (quarrel, the indignant Mrs Fog doing all the talking, the week, absent-minded monster Fog 1 not being able to squeeze in a word edge-ways j song, Mr W. T. Pearce; duet, Mesdames Kennedy and Fieldes; song, Mr Jack Griffiths (encored); duet, harp and violin, Miss Lees and Mr McPhail; song, Miss Fieldes (encored); dialogue, “A Doctor’s Surgciy,” the Doctor (Mr Max Gernhoeter) engages nigger Sambo (Mr Beloe) and leaves him in charge of the surgery with a corpse (Mr L. Richards) ior company which he does not appreciate until lie discovers a bottle of good old wine, which he samples to keep tne spooks at bay, reserving a little for the missus when he tells her about getting the job; the corpse wakes up and gives Sambo a fright, but induces him to exchange places for a small cheque; the doctor turns up with a very large kit of tools and commences to dissect his subject, who has changed his colour, but who quickly shows unmistakable signs of life; recitation, Miss W. Corbett; song, “Flight of Ages,” Mr N. Day (encoroti; ; song, Miss Maunsell; dialogue, “Tne W’hite Hat,” the principals being Dr. Dumps (Mr. E. :T.-King) Mrs Dumps (Mrs,C. Riley), Their sedate daugnter, Annabella 'Miss Ruby Cartwrignt), their neat and saucy maid, Matilda (Miss Cameron), who causes much jealousy, Marmadute Mixim (Mr Beloej, the owner of the hat, also the doctor’s long-lost son, and cause -of the trouble; and Charlie Forrester (Mr Roe Hendry). Tnere is much ado about the hat and owner, but all ends well when satisfactory explanations are forthcoming.

Bresentations were then made to Air and Airs W. L. Kennedy, wixo intend settling on their run at Tahora, and to Air Roe Hendry, of the local post oiiice staff, who has been transferred to New ITymouth. Air T. Henderson, ,who presided over the gathering, made a few remarks regretting the loss they were sustaining in the departure of such old and esteemed residents, who were always most zealous workers in church matters. They had been the first to extend to him, the speaker, the hand of friendship when he came to Toko, and he was proud to claim Air Kennedy as a countryman, lath hailing from the same part of the North, of Ireland. Ho wished them both eveyy success in their new home.

Air E. T. King spoke of the valuable services rendered by Airs Kennedy to the church, and having spared no effort in matters which she had been interested in, and he presented her, on behalf of the other members, with a valuable lady’s companion. /

On behalf of the old Toko identifies, Air Were presented Air Kennedy with a solid silver ink stand.

Mr Kennedy, he said, was one ,of their oldest and most esteemed settlors, having resided here for nigh on twenty years. He had been connected with the saw milling industry in by-gone days, when the hum of the saws was more familiar than the rattle of milk cans, and had always allied himself with the social welfare of the district. He was one of the founders of the old Hall, the Debating Society which existed years ago, the Hi tie Club, the Domain Board, the Church building; had taken an active interest in - local school matters, was a member of the Taranaki Education and Land Boards, and had been a very keen and enthusiastic worker in the formation and building of the present Coronation Hall and the recent uazaar. He wished them both happiness and success, and hoped the articles presented would be always treasured as a small memento of their life in Toko. (Applause.) On behalf of the general .public, Mr Wore then presented Mr Hondry with a splendid Rotherham watch, and in the course of a wise and fatherly speech advised the recipient to continue to lie honest, kind, civil and obliging, and bis path through life would oo a straight and happy one (Applause.) Ai r Kennedy briefly returned thanks on behalf of Airs Kennedy and himself for the appreciation shown them that night. Ho had always done his best, both at home and

abroad, and thought it the duty of every man to shoulder a portion of the burden of public affairs. They would pass through Toko occasionally, and would always continue to take, an

interest where they had spent so many years of their lives. (Applause.) Master Hoe Hendry, in a brief but happy speech, also thanked one and all most hcartly for the honour and

kindness shown him, and regretted having to leave the place of his boy and school days. (Applause.) To end up the evening, the ladies had another surprise in store in the

shape of a splendid supper, for which they are getting cpiitc famous. This was handed round to all, and needless

to say was greatly appreciated