VALEDICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 172, 4 May 1937, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

MR AND MRS G. JOHNSTON

PRESENTATIONS AT MAYFIELD. A large gathering of residents met in the Band Hall last evening to do honour to Mr and Mrs G. Johnston, who are leaving the district after many years’ residence here. Mr J. Blair, who presided, asked the gathering to stand in silence in sympathy with the families who have recently been bereaved. Mrs L. Mcllroy presented Mrs Johnston with a pretty wood fibre shoulder spray. A musical programme was then presented by Mr A. L. Jones and party from Ashburton, the items including solos by Mrs A. L. Jones and Miss Holland, and elocutionary items by Miss W. Andrew and Mr McAuley. Mrs Jones was accompaniste. Mr J. Blair, after eulogising the guests and expressing regret at their departure, on behalf of the residents of Mayfield and surrounding districts presented Mr and Mrs Johnston with a cheque, with the express wish that they purchase two easy chairs for their new home.

Mrs D. Edwards, speaking on behalf of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, of which Mrs Johnston has been a valued, member, asked her to accept a gift of oriental embroidery work as a small token of the regard in which she is held by members. She had endeared herself to all by her unassuming manner and willingness and ability to help in any capacity, and their loss would be another- district’s gain. On behalf of the Women’s Division, Mrs J. D. Murdoch said she was sorry to lose one who had been a foundation member, so willing and capable to give of her best for the good of the organisation. She presented Mrs Johnston with a seagrass stool from the members, with best wishes for her future happiness. Mr W. Early (president of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association) expressed regret at losing so valued, a member as Mr Johnston, and in wishing him success in the future presented him with a bound volume of last year’s show catalogue, with suitable foreword.

Mr W. Turner spoke on behalf of the Farmers’ Union, and Mr H. Barton on behalf of the Mayfield Presbyterian Church, of which Mr Johnston has been secretary, wished him happiness and prosperity in his new venture. Other speakers were Messrs It. Oakley, H. Patterson, A. N. Grigg, A. V. Barrett and C. Sewell.

A beautiful supper was handed round by the ladies, and the gathering closed with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”