OHAUPO.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 103, 6 March 1897, Page 3

OHAUPO.

Farewell Social.—On Tuesday last the young people and residents of Ohanpo, gave a farewell social and dance in honour of Mr Bridge (mine hose of the Ohaupo Hotel) and his family, who arc leaving the district. The affair was held in the Public Hall, where fully sixty people attended, which goes to show that during the short scay of the family in our midst they have made themselves desevedly popular, especially Ins son and daughter, Mr J. and Miss Bridge, who have always entered heartily into all social amusements, and both being excellent musicians rank-red great assistance in the local dance.". The hall was comfortably filled with about an equal number ot both sexes, and dancing commend-tl about!) o'clock. Mr James Bridge presided at the piano, assisted by Mr A. Jones on the accordian. Mr and Mrs Bridge, sen., were also to the fort, the old gentleman taking psrt in several dances, hopping about litest, a young man of twenty, and making hito.s- If generally agreeable. As for the ladies' dresses—wel, I can't describe them. All I know is that Miss Bridge looked very nice in a costume of cream nun's veiling, trimmed with lace and blue ribbon. Refreshments were provided ad lib by the young ladies, aiter which some of the elders adjourned to the hotel to have a par.ing glass, and to propose the health and prosperity of our departing friends. Mr H. Roche was voted to the chair. Mr Roche in prospering the toast, " Health and Prosperity to our Departing Friends," said lie had' made it a rule in life to .speak of a man as he found him ; he had only known Mr Bridge for about three months. When first ho came here people asked what sort of a man Mr Bridge was, but he nould not tell them as he did not know, but now he held the mure opinion as many others, viz. He is sorry that he is leaving, he evidently knows his business, which is exemplified on market and fair days. During the short time Mr Bridge had been wit!* them he bad taken a lively interest in social amusements, and no i!oubt would in time have taken a leading interest in public masters. He understood that Mr Bridge intended going to England to invest in the motor car business, with a view of introducing them to this country. Such men are to be commended for their enterprise. Since he had beiu in Ohaupo he had been Btraight aud honourable in all Ins dealings. He had therefore great pleasure in proposing the health of Mr Bridge and family. He expressed regret at their departure, and trusted he might hove every success is his future undertakings. Mr Bridge, in response, thanked those present for the honour they had done him and his family, and wished to say that he had a very high opinion of the people of Ohaupo. With regard to what Mr Roche had said about local matters he might say during his (Mr Bridge's) residence in Queeustown, he had the honour of a seat on several committees, Town Council, School and Acclimatisation Boards, and took a great interest in introducing trout into the Wakatipu district. If he had remained in Ohaupo he would also have taken an interest in public matters, as he considered by so doing he would benefit himself. His object in going to the Old Country was to bring- out some motor cars, as he thought that class of vehicle had come to stay like the bicycle. He again thanked the gentlemen present for their kindly expressions of opinion towards himself and his family. The party then repaired to the hall again, where dancing was kept up till about 2 a.m. Before breaking up, Mr A. Jones, on behalf of those present, wished to express their regret at the departure of Mr Bridge and family from the district. Mr Bridge thanked the young people for their kindly feeling, and also for their kindness in getting up this party as a fate well to himself and family. Before many days he expected to be'thousands of miles Irom New Zealand, but wherever he went, and as long as he lived, he would always have pleasant recollections of the time he spent in Ohaupo. The party then broke op, each and all haviug thoroughly eDjoyed themselves.— (Own Correspondent).