VALEDICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 195, 31 May 1934, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

GATHERING AT METHVEN. MR AND MRS W. S. JONES. The Methven Town Hall was overcrowded last evening %hen residents of the district and friends from." far and near gathered to say farewell to Mr and Mrs W. S. Jones, who has represented the National Mortgage and Agency Company at Methven for the iast 11 years,, and Mrs Jones,-who are leaving for Leeston on transfer. The evening was spent in dancing, interspersed with vocal items. Music for the dancing was supplied by Cook's Orchestra, extras being played by Mrs A. Lawrence. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs G. d'Auvergne, who sang "Rose of Tralee," and A. G. Wilson, "Silver Hair and" Heart of Gold,' Mr Denley "Little Old Church in the Valley and J. McMillan "Road to the Isles," and "Wee Hoose amang the Heather." Mr Wilson, contributed a tap dance and Mr R. Smith two saxaphone solos. Mr A. Geddes (president of the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association) explained that the function was arranged by the combined committees of the Association and the Methven Trotting Club for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr and Mrs Jones and recognising in some small way the esteem in which they are held in the district. Mi- Jones had done invaluable work as a member of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for a number of years and if only on that account his departure would be a decided loss to the district. In his business life he had carried out his duties to the satisfaction of all with whom he had dealings, and in addition had always been a good citizen. . His services were freely given whenever required. In wishing Mr and Mrs Jones success and happiness in the future he said that Methven's loss would be Leeston's gain. Mr Geddes presented the guests with a handsome chesterfield suite from the residents of the district, which he trusted would remind them of many happy days spent in Methven. Mr S. G. Holmes (president of the Methven Trotting Club) said that Mr Jones had been connected with the Club for many years and had been of great assistance as a member of the committee and one of their hardestworking- stewards. ; For some years he had held the unenviable office of track steward and had earned the reputation of being fair to one and all. His departure from the district would be a distinct loss to the Club. Mr Holmes wished him and Mrs Jones every happiness in their new home. Mr Stanley Wilson also spoke, endorsing the remarks of the. previous speakers on behalf, of the clients of the firm which Mr Jones represented Mr W. F. Renolds spoke on behalf of fellow-agents. Mr Jones, who was greeted with musical honours on rising to , reply, thanked one and all for the many kindnesses Mrs Jones and himself had received during their sojourn in Methven Ho thanked them for their handsome gift and the.kindly thought that prompted it. In connection with Ins work as a member of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Trotting Club he had found this a pleasure, and ho considered it an honour to belong to two such progressive bodies. Mr and Mrs Jones leave Methven for their new home at Leeston tomorrow.