SIR JAMES CARROLL’S SUPPORTERS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3392, 6 December 1911, Page 9

SIR JAMES CARROLL’S SUPPORTERS

ENTERTAINED BY LADY CARROLL VALUABLE GIFTS OF LAND FOR CRECHE. A pleasing social function took place at the grounds adjoining the residence of Sir Jas. Carroll, when Duly Carroll entertained a large number of friends and supporters of Sir Jas. Carroll yesterday. The grounds were gaily decorated with bunting, and in the shade of the large trees a marquee bad been erected, in front of which Lady Carroll received her guests. The hostess was attired in a black silk costume, over which she wore a valuable kiwi mat, while in her hand she hold a very valuable bone mere. Messrs. Vita Bros.’ orchestra, when the majority of the guests had arrived, played the National Anthem, which was heartily by all those present. The Mayor (Mr. AY. Lottie) said that Lady Carroll had asked him to say that she wished to show in some tangible »av liei appreciation of the great honor that had been bestowed on her husband by the King, and also the great honor which the electors of Gisborne had conferred on him by returning him unopposed. Lady Carroll desired to commemorate the double event in a suitable manner. He was sorry that Sir James Carroll was unable to he present, but he had received the following telegram from Christchurch:—'‘Very sorry that it was impossible for me to remain in Gisborne to he with you at the function to-day, but trust it will ho a great success, that all present will thoroughly enjoy themselves, and that the institution will continue to flourish in keeping with the aspirations of those who have its welfare at heart. Kia ora.—J. Carroll.”

’The Mayor then called on Lady Carroll to address the guests.

Lady Carroll was received with very hearty applause. She spoke in the M aori tongue, which was interpreted by Air. AY. E. Goffe. She said she could not adequately express her feelings concerning the great honor liestowed on her husband by the King and the honor the electors of Gisborne had done him in returning him unopposed. She herself was conscious that in some measure she was sharing in the honors conferred on her husband. She expressed her regno that Sir -lames Carroll was unable to be present in body, but she assured them he was present in spirit. Erouera To Kura and AYateno Rikirangi had each agreed to give to the Cook County Women’s Guild half an acre of land for the purpose of a creche, and she wished to announce that she herself had decided to give an additional acre, making two acres in all. (Applause.) The gift of her two Maori friends was in recognition of the knighthood conferred on Sir James .and she desired the give the additional acre not only in recognition of the knighthood hut in recognition of the honor done to her husband hv the pakeha electors of Gisborne in returning him unopposed. She thanked them most heartily and in the true spirit of appreciation. She trusted all would spend a happy afternoon and thoroughly enjoy themselves. Hone Paerata. assisted by some of the Te Ran students, then gave a haka, which was greatly appreciated by the visitors.

Eruera Te Ivina and Rawiri Karelia also addressed the visitors.

The Mayor thanked Lady Carroll for the gift she had made. He assured her it would be thoroughly appreciated, not only by those to whom it would be directly handed over, but by the whole community. It was a splendid testimonial to the good feeling that existed between both races. He mentioned that a large donation had been given towards tho creche by one gentleman, and with the Government subsidy and tho other funds in hand they would be able to start the creche on up-to-date lines almost immediately. He referred to the good work done by the Guild and by its officers, and concluded by expressing the hope that Lady Carroll would long live to enjoy the distinction which had been conferred on her. Mrs. Scott expressed her thanks on behalf of the Guild, and hoped that both Sir James Carroll and Lady Carroll would enjoy tho honor conferred on them.

Afternoon tea was daintily served, and plenty of sweets were provided for the children.

A most successful gathering terminated about 5 o’clock.