COUNTRY NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3430, 6 September 1913, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

SOCIAL AND DANCE AT TOKOMARU BAY.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION TO MR. AND MRS. W. OATES.

LARGEST GATHERING EVER

HELD IN DISTRICT

CFfiOlt OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT! TOKOMARU BAY, Sept. 2. Between two and three hundred people, Europeans a.nd Natives, both old and young, gathered together at the Hall on Friday evening last to attend the above function. Long before 8 o’clock the Hall was filled to overflowing and seating and standing room was at a premium, many people having to be contented with looking in at the open doors. The social took the form of dancing, singing and musical items, etc., etc. After the first dance was over, Mr A. Grey opened the programme with a song entitled “I 'Fear no Foe”, for which he was loudly applauded. Mrs P. Barry was next on the programme and fairly brought down the house with her singing, of “Happy Birds.” She was accorded an encore, and sang “The Four-Leafed Clover” which she sang excellently. Mrs Saunders very ably played a pianoforte solo, which was very much appreciated. Miss Harry Taylor’s singing of 1 ‘The Children’s Home” was accorded an encore, and she very excellently replied by singing “Daddy”. Mrs Reynolds’ singing of “The Dear Home Land” greatly pleased the audience. This concluded the first part of the programme. Mr H. H. Fairlio, who presided at the function, in a well-chosen speech explained the motive of the presentation, and eulogised the great amount of good work both Mr and Mrs Oates had accomplished in Tokomaru Bav, and concluded by hoping they would long be spared to enjoy a happy and prosperous life. (Loud applause.) Mr Fairlie then made the presentation, handing to Mrs Oates a beautiful oaken case, containing a dozen solid silver ivory handled fish knives, tbe inscription on the shield and the c-ase being “To Mrs AY. Oates from her many Tokomaru Friends.” The second present to Mr and Mrs Oates took the form of a beautiful entree dish. Tilts was suitably inscribed as follows: “To ill- and Mrs AY. Oates, from Tokomaru Friends, as a recognition of their services to ‘Sport.’'” Mr and Airs Oates were also presented with an illuminated address signed by over 50 residents of the Bay. The address was very artistically illuminated bV the Gisborne Times Publishing C'oy., Ltd. The following gentlemen spoke on behalf of the respective sporting clubs: Mr D. Henderson, Athletic Club; Mr A. C’oombe, Cricket Club; Mr J. H. Rear, Defence Rifle Club; Mr C. Morse, Football Club; Rev. AVil- • son spoke on behalf of the general public. Upon rising to respond Mr Oates was greeted with vociferous cheering and prolonged applause, each attempt to speak being drowned with cheers, and the singing of “For they are Jolly Good People’’ and the chorus of “On the RalL” from 30 or 40 footballers who hnd assembled at the back of the hall. After the tumult had ceased Mr Oates on behalf of the family, Mrs Oates and himself, very feelingly thanked the people of Tokomaru Bay for the very handsome presents. He very earnestly assured everyone present that the gathering quite exceeded all his expectations, and never for one moment had he dreamed that it would be qf such magnitude. It was easily one. if not the proudest moment of all his life. He felt that they had been done an honor that they would never be able to repay, although it would bo their earnest endeavors to go on in assisting and working for the good of both races as long as they were spared to do so. (Loud applause). Mr Gates said he had often been given credit for doing lots of things on his own account and responsibility, but be con!.l safely say that he had always had the support of the committees of the numerous local bodies, of which he was chairman or president. Mr Oates also gave a short descriptive history of Tokomaru Bay since his arrival here 23 years ago, when there were only two or three white families in the Bay. Mr Oates again thanked the people, and resumed his seat amidst a further outburst of cheering and singing, which lasted for several minutes; this was followed by three good rousing cheers for Mrs Oates. After an excellent supper had been partaken of, the musical part of the programme was got- off. Miss Taylor and Mrs _P. Barrv very ably sang a duet, “Life s Dream is' O’er”, being accorded an encore. Mr AV. Reid and .Mr Reg. Reid also sang, their singing being much appreciated. The Hall was then cleared for dancing, which was indulged in until T2 o’clock, when the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a close the most successful and bigi gest gathering of its kind ever held on the Coast. Mrs J. H. Reay came in for many complimentary remarks for the very able manner in which she played the accompaniments for the soloists. The thanks of the Committee are greatly due to all those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly .assisted in helping to make the function the success that it undoubtedly was. Mr J. R. Johnston very capably carried out tbe duties of M‘.C. This is tne 23rd year of Mr and Mrs Oates’ residence in Tokomaru Bay.