Histories

About fifty citizens assembled at Stevenson's Hotel last evening, where a farewell social was tendered to Mr Charles Whelan, for eight years Postmaster in Reefton; and now under orders to proceed to Gore. Mr E. J. Scantlebury County Chairman, occupied the chair.
After justice had been done to the good things provided by the host, the chairman proposed the usual loyal toast which was drunk with musical honors. The toast of the evening, "Our Guest," was proposed by the chairman who said Mr Whelan was the most obliging postmaster that Reefton ever had. In stating this he was voicing the opinion of the district. He then pointed out many improvements effected in the postal and telegraph through Mr Whelan's instrumentality. In social affairs Mr Whelan and family were always looked for. All now regretted their departure. The Horticultural Society and Poultry Club had been inaugurated by him, and in mining matters he had also taken a great interest. Two local shows promoted by him were now working. The chairman concluded by wishing Mr Whelan and family health and success in their future home. (Loud Applause.)
In responding, Mr Whelan thanked the chairman for his kind remarks. He found it difficult to say farewell, as only now that he was leaving he realised how many kind friends he was leaving. He pointed out that during his eight years in Reefton the district had advanced. He instanced the growth of the telegraph business. When he first came there were only five wires here, and now there was quite a net work of wires through the district. As a mining district Reefton had a great future. In assisting mining and other affairs, he was only doing what he should do. Though he regretted leaving the district, his transfer meant promotion. At some future date he hoped to visit Reefton, when he was sure he would find the district more prosperous. Mr Whelan concluded by thanking all for the kindness extended to his family an himself.
Mr R. Dunphy proposed the “Mining and Commercial interests," which was. responded to by Messrs B. P. McMahon and W. Henderson. The former dwelt on the lack of capital on the mining field which was necessary for development and instanced how a number of-good properties had been prospected to a certain stage, but for want of capital to adequately exploit them, became Crown lands.
Mr W. Henderson spoke of the Commercial interest. He said that the town was getting into a more prosperous stage, and was sure that the books of the various business people would show that trade had increased.
Mr A. M. Carroll, proposed “The County Council.” He referred to the difficulties members must have to contend with and in trying to reduce the overdraft and regretted that recent floods had necessitated such heavy expenditure. Messrs Betts, O'Regan, and O'Rourke responded. The first named spoke on the pastoral and agricultural possibilities and said that the councillors were doing their best for the mining interest, and that the Mines Department should assist in the development of this district, which in the past has . been ignored by the Minister for that Department, and was sure that the Hon Mr McKenzie would have more liberal views towards the mining industry in this part. Mr O'Regan spoke on County finance and regretted to hear that a movement had been on foot to join a borough and separate from the county. He instanced how, instead of one overdraft, there would be two for the district, one for the county and one for the borough. Mr O'Rourke humorously related how he became member for the Hampden district, and felt sure that the residents of his district would regret the separation from Inangahua County before long.
Mr. W. J. Morris proposed the toast of "The Parliament of New Zealand." He spoke of the Mines Department as relating to the Reefton District; also dealing extensively with the quartz mining possibilities and coal measures of the district, and why Parliament should direct special attention to this part of the dominion. Mr F. B. Sallard and Mr T. O’Brien briefly responded.
"The Ladies" was proposed by Mr J. Patterson and responded to by Messrs Monteith and J. Irving.
"The Press" was proposed by Mr H. Smith and responded to by Mr J. Noble.
The toast of the host and hostess was proposed by Mr J. Scarlett and responded to by Mr y. Stevenson.
During the evening songs were sung by Messrs H. Wicken and T. O'Rourke and recitations by Messrs Whelan and H. Smith, and a most enjoyable evening concluded by singing "Auld Lang Syne."