"It gives me great pleasure to be able to take my Thanksgiving dinner to-day with so many who have done so much for the glory of New York at this Exposition. I particularly wish to compliment those of our own building who have always been so courteous and nice to me, and by so doing have aided the New York Commission in making the New York State building the social center of the Exposition." OTHER SPEAKERS Brief remarks were also made by Mr. J. H. Durkee, Superintendent of Agriculture; Mr. DeLancey M. Ellis, Director of Education and Social Economy; Mr. James T. Patterson, Assistant Superintendent of Horticulture; Mr. A. B. Strough, in charge of the Forestry, Fish and Game exhibit; Dr. H. H. Hinshaw, in charge of the Scientific exhibit, and the following officials of the State building: Hon. Frank J. LeFevre, Superintendent; Mrs. Dore Lyon, Hostess; Mrs. F. P. Applebee, Assistant Hostess; Miss Laura C. MacMartin, Matron, and Mr. George B. Cowper, Assistant Superintendent. Others present were called upon and made appropriate remarks, and the Pikers' Club, an organization composed of attaches of the building, furnished the musical part of the entertainment. PRESENTATION TO SECRETARY BALL Vice-President Berri then presented Mr. Charles A. Ball, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, with a complete fishing outfit in behalf of all of the employees of the New York State Commission. Mr. Ball enjoys a wide reputation as an expert with the rod. In his remarks Mr. Berri said that it had never been demonstrated that the Secretary had ever returned with any fish, and expressed the hope that with such a perfect equipment some tangible results might be shown. He also humorously referred to the fact that in the fire which a short time before had threatened the destruction of the State building, Mr. Ball's first thought had been for the safety of his fishing reels. The presentation was a complete surprise to the Secretary, who feelingly expressed his deep appreciation of the thoughtfulness of his staff in making him a present which he should treasure as long as he lived. He also expressed his gratitude to all of the employees of the Commission for their loyal support, which had meant so much in the successful participation of New York at the greatest Fair the world ever knew. He closed with laudatory remarks concerning the Commission, and the wisdom and thoroughness which had characterized its work. In the course of her remarks Mrs. Lyon read the following original poem: POEM BY MRS. LYON Like ships upon the changing sea of life, Unknowing and unknown until we met, We've sailed awhile together, and no strife Has marred our joy, nor brought a faint regret. O'er this composite family of ours, Begotten from each corner of our State, Has breathed a peaceful spirit, and the hours Have sped on wings from early dawn till late.