FAREWELL TO MR. R. COTTIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 28, 1 February 1913, Page 3

FAREWELL TO MR. R. COTTIER.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

Last night at the Whanga. Hall, a large crowd assembled to say good-bye to Mr R. Cottier, who has just severed his connection with the active staff of the firm of Court and Cottier. The proceedings took the form of a smoke concert, Mr Hatton being voted to the chair, and much is due him for the capable and tactful manner in which he carried out his duties. The suppet arrangements were in the hands of Mr Nightingale, and the result was the choicest of good things, to which all did full justice.

The toast list opened with a spirited toasting of “The King,” “The National Anthem” being sung to the music of the piano and clinking glasses. Then followed a song, “Rolling Home to Bonnie Scotland,” by Mr F. Lundon. The toast of “The Co.-op. Workers” was handled in a comprehensive fashion by Mr F. Court, who remarked his pleasure at there being such a good attendance of the Co.-op. men at the gathering, thus showing that Mr Cottier’s popularity was not-confined to any one class of the community. After Mr C. Reader had given a splendid rendering of the “Veterans’ Song,” the response to the above toast was taken by Messrs H. Wilderraoth and J. Rbbertson, each in his own quaintly humorous fashion. “Our Local Bodies,” proposed by Mr A. McMeekin, and responded to by Mr T. A. Bradley, gave occasion for a brief but capable review of local matters. Mr Wildermoth contributed a song, “Ask a Policeman,” but would not respond to the many entreaties for an encore.

The toast of “Our Guest” was then honoured, with uproarious applause and musical honours. Mr T. Bradley proposed the toast and referred in terms of the highest praise to Mr Cottier’s popularity and sterling qualities. The speaker gave some amusing reminiscences of Mr Cottier’s early days with Mr Newton King and his visits to Whanga. long ago. Mr Bradley then, on behalf of the district, presented Mr Cottier with a “chubby”looking purse of sovereigns and also a beautiful pendant for Mrs Cottier. Cheers were given for, Mr and Mrs Cottier and family in unstinted measure, and it was some time before order was restored. Mr Fawkner then sang “The Bussian Love Song,” and had to respond to a “Won’t-take-no” encore with “My Little Irish Girl.” Mr Cottier replied, expressing his thanks on behalf of Mrs Cottier and himself for the presentations and the evening’s entertainment. He had, he said, pleasant recollections of Whanga. and its people to carry away with him, for he had found in this out-back dis•triefc the staunchest of friends, and no enemies. “I’m no talker,” he said, “but I’ll give you some music.”. And he played his violin with a master’s touch and feeling, and was not allowed to stop till he had promised more later in the evening. Songs were then contributed by Messrs C. Stapleton (“Balaclava”), and B. J. Fawkner (“Romany Lass”), and recitations by Messrs T. Bradley, T. Aylward, W. Harris, and F. Court. Toasts for the following were also honoured :—“Medical Association,” “Kindred Sports Clubs,” “Parliament,” “Chairman,” and “Our Host.” Mr Cottier then gave another violin solo, and a first-class gathering closed with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr Hutton acted as accompanist during the evening, and kept the intervals bright. -