Newspaper Article 1898 – Send-Off Social

SEND-OFF SOCIAL.

The social held in the Garrison Hall last evening, as a complimentary send-off to the Fourth Contingent, was a most complete success. The function was unique in character for this province, but it is not too much to say that it was in every way worthy of Hawke’s Bay, and was incomparably the largest gathering which has ever sat down to supper in Napier. The attendance must have numbered fully 500 people, a very large number of ladies being present. The hall was profusely decorated with flags of all nations, and almost every combination of color, the Royal flag of Scotland, together with the Union Jack, and the Stars and Stripes, of course, occupying prominent places in the decorations. The walls were adorned with appropriate greetings, such as “Good Bye, Good Luck,” “For Queen and Country,” “We Know You’ll do Your Duty,” “God Speed Our Troops,” and others. Six rows of tables were arranged the entire length of the hall, and a capital spread was provided, the catering being in the hands of Mr J. Lang, of the Café. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, being supported by the members of the selection committee, Borough Council, and past and present officers of the garrison. The proceedings were of the most intensely enthusiastic character throughout. The toast of “The Queen,” proposed by the chairman, was honored in the usual fashion. The chairman also proposed the toast of “The Governor,” and in doing so said that Lord Ranfurly had shown himself to be in closest sympathy with the colony and its people, and to have the warmest admiration for colonials and colonial institutions. Mr L. Freedman sang a new patriotic song entitled “John Bull’s Letter-bag,” a song illustrating the colonies’ response to the Empire’s call. This so hit the taste of the audience that it carried a double encore.

Songs were sung by Lieutenants Forsythe and Hobson, Mr W. Reading, senr. Mr C. D. Kennedy sang the “Absent-minded Beggar,” an amount of £3 8s 3d being collected in response to the appeal. Mr McKenzie danced a Highland fling and sheauntruibbas [Seann Triubhas], and Messrs T. Parker and G. H. Price recited. Mr W. Newbould played the accompaniments. Messrs A. J. Williams and R. N. Anderson, by the aid of the oxy-hydrogen light showed a number of very fine photographic views of the departure of the Third Contingent, the series concluding with a beautifully-colored portrait of Her Majesty the Queen.