VALEDICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9292, 29 April 1920, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

MR. H.. J. C. HARPER.

Despite the . rain an enthusiastic gathering, was held in the Maylield Hall on Tuesday evening, on the occasion of a smoke concert tendered to Mr H. J. C. Harper, who is Leaving; the district. After a good least had been done justice to, the following toast list was- gpne through with musical honours :t—"The King," proposed by the chairman,. Mr I). Duif; "I'he Ladies, Returned Soldiers and the Secretary," proposed by \V. K. Deliovv and responded, to by E. C. Withell; "The Sports of Mayrieldj" proposed by G. Owers and responded to by A. Mactier; "The. Guest of. the Evening," proposed by D. .Duff and responded to by Mr H. J. C. Harperj "Tlie Mayneld A. and P. Association," proposed by D. O. SewelLJ-nr., responded to by the president (1). Duff), the secretary (E. Withell), and. G, Owers. Referring to the guest of the evening, Mr Duif stated that.in, Mr. Harper the association was losing, a live committeeman and a very keen supporter.. He hoped that Mr Harper, would still retain his interest in tho association,' and again take an active part in its work should be return to the. district. On behalf of the association, he had much, pleasure in presenting. Mr Harper with a case of pipes ■■not as a reward for services rendered,,, for oil the committeemen had worked equally hard for the success of tho show, but as a small token of regard-. O.u. rising, to speak Mr Harper was greeted with, applause. He said that* he., wished to thank Mr Duff for his, kind, remarks and through him the asBociai.ion. for the- very handsome pr&y bout,. At the time of the formation of the association he felt doubtful ofe the success, of a show, being of the opinion that the district was not ready, for., one.. However., as time went on ajid he saw the harmonious and' energetic way in which the committee wareworking he waa convinced that. all would be well. The show had beoa a success financially and otherwise, and to:, the untiring efforts of the president and secretary he was sure this success had been very largely due. He-;! felt sure the association would become a powerful factor in furthering tbfi- interests of the district. For inp-feance, ha was of the opinion that the. association might do much towards the securing of a statiiqnmaster for. \valetta station, for which official, tjjfti'i^had Ueen a long and ever increasing, need. lie thanked all for the very, e.ajoyable evening and though he was, spxxy to be leaving he valued very higltly fche- good wishes of the people of the- district as conveyed to him by the vainsats speakers.

During the .evening- songs; were contributed by Messrs G.~ Owers, R. Oakley, E. Withell, L. Frost,, A. Mactier and D. Coffee. N.. Coffee rendered a violin solo. Humorous• stories were interspersed and with tho singing of "Auld Lank Syne?'' a. very enjoyabks; evening was brought to a close.