ROTORUA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4, 27 January 1906, Page 46

ROTORUA.

Dear Bee. January 22. The most successful and interesting social gathering we have had for a very long time was held in the Assembly Hall on Thursday, the 18th instant, when at a large farewell sm-ial a presentation of a purse of.. sovereigns and an address was made to Captain' A. C. Turner, chairman of the Town Council, and District Road Engineer, on hi- retirement from the Government service in Rotorua. The affair was in theiiiands of a most capable ladies' committee, namely, Mesdames Robertson. Malfroy. Rhodes, Nunneley. Empson, Wallnutt, Tenney, London. Crowther. Carr. Gardner. Hannah, and Walker, and was carried through with every success. With the assistance of Messrs Wiggs and Ellis, the hall was gaily decorated with flags and. the stage carpeted and arranged with easy chairs, ferns, plants, etc. Mrs, London, as chairwoman of the committee, assisted by- Air Lund-on, received the guests at" the entrance of the hall, and before nine o’clock over 206 people had arrived to do honour to Captain Turner, and his daughter. Miss L. Turner. Mr G. A. Empson occupied the chair. A short musical programme -was gone, through. Mr Roves’ fine voice was heard to such advantage in “The King’s Own” that he had to respond to an emphatic encore. Mrs Broomhall sang “I Was Dreaming.’’ Mr Pavvson gave one of his much-appreciated ’cello solos and was accompanied'by Mrs Rawson. Mi-s Stella Empson sang “When the Heart is Young,” and Mr Wallnutt “Beauty’s Eyes.’’. Mrs Lundins anil Miss M. London gave a vocal duet, “Come O’er the Moonlit Sea." Mrs Lundins playing the accompaniment. Miss E. Empson accompanied the vocalists with her usual skill. At the conclusion of the musical programme ■ Miss Carrie Rhodes presented Miss Turner with a beautiful shower -bouquet.. Mrs Ann Robertson, as the oldest Rotorua resident ’and one whose, acquaintance with. Captain Turner dated back 40 y-ear®, then made the presentation of the purse of 50 odd sovereigns. The purse was accompanied by an address, beautifully -ornamented: with views of Maori lite and Rotorua, handsomely framed in honeysuckle wood. Captain Turner, who was visibly affected, rose and expressed his pleasure and surprise .at the handsome presenation and ovation he had received. He felt very' gratified to think that the ladies thought enough of “thi 4 Old man’’ to do sosmuch for him, and felt that he could never thank them and his fellow-towns-men sufficiently for their great kindness. Three hearty cheers were given

for Captain Turner, and one for Miss Turner. A delicious light sup|>er was then served, and dancing was. afterwards indulged ip .until,mi;lnight. , Mrs Lundou, acting hostess, was gowned iu black silk, with large point lace collar; Alrss Lilia Turner wore a pale blue and white voile with tucked white silk front; Mrs Robertson, black. With' white lace, collar, and tie; Mrs G. A. Empson. black silk with transparent yoke; Mrs F. Rhodes, rich black satin; Mrs Nunneley, black satin gown, pink carnations on corsage and iu coiffure; Mrs Malfro.v, blaek silk, ciit slightly low; Mrs Carr, smart blaek voile, with white tucked silk yoke, edged with ecru guipure; Mrs Penney, black gown relieved with white; Mrs C. Wallnutt, white figured muslin with many- frills; Airs Gardner, black; Airs Hanna, white silk blouse, black skirt; Mrs Dodwell (Wellington), black evening gown with handsome white lace scarf: Mrs Empson. blaek figured silk with white silk front, covered with black lace; Mrs Wohlniann, white voile relieved with red; Mrs Lundias.- black and white evening gown; Mrs Urquhart, black skirt, handsome while silk House; Airs Crowhurst, white: Airs Wilmot, black skirt, pink blouse; Mrs Broomhall, white silk: Mrs Iloyes. blaek skirt, white bodice: Airs Pearsoii. black net,’ trammed narrow white bebe ribbon; Mrs Iles, blaek gown; Mrs Miller, black; Mrs Potter, blaek silk skirt, white silk blouse; Mrs Allsop, white silk; Airs-Young, black skirt, cream silk bodice; Miss Rennell. handsome black silk and lace gown; .Mis Empson, stylinh black evening dress, transparent cream net yoke cutlined with black, elbow- sleeves;' Alias Malfroy, blaek skirt, red silk blouse with cream lace yoke; Miss Metcalfe (.Auckland), white silk; Miss Lun ton, blaek gown, transparent black lace yoke; Miss S. Empson, white silk evening gown, handsome berthe with tucker of while net; Miss M. Luudon, li’a.-k hkirt; red and white spotted silk blouse, transparent cream net yoke, elbow sleeves; Miss Penney, white dress;. Aliss N. Penney, white muslin relieved with blue; Miss Bagnall (Auckland), white voile; Miss Orr, white gown; Miss Mackintosh, cream voile; Miss Hawkes worth, black skirt, pretty' pink silk blouse; Aliss French, black. There were a great many other ladies present, but I cannot recall their names just now. HINEMOA.