AN OLD IDENTITY FAREWELLED.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 931, 10 June 1914, Page 4

AN OLD IDENTITY FAREWELLED.

9 • MRS GAYAN RETIRES. Few old identities are better known or more highly respected than is Mrs Gavan of Moa Creek. The following interesting report of a social and presentation tendered to her and her family by the people.of the district upon her retirement from business will be read with interest by her many friends: —The residents of Moa Creek entertained Mrs Gavan . and family on the evening of the 29th ult. During many years Mrs Gavan has been the hostess of the Moa Creek Hotel, and also qonducted the storekeeping and butchering business in conjunction with the hotel. From a small beginning the business has now increased to be one of the largest in' Central Otago, and Mrs Gavan and family having reaped a handsome reward for their years of hard labor,' How intend retiring and taking life a easier. Residents from all the different districts assembled at Black and Alexander's hall and" spent a most enjoyable evening,—fully 150 people being present. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags and evergreens; and conspicuous in. the decorations was an artistically streamer bearing the words ' We cpma to say au reyojr but riot good bye." Some excellent musical items were rendered and much appreciated. During an interval in the proceedings Mr Alexander, on behalf of the residents, in a most appropriate tnannor, presented to the. Gavan family the' following tokens of esteem i^—To Mrs Gavan, a handsome inseribed rug; tq Mrs F. Flannery (nee Maggie Gavan) an inscribed gold-mounted Umbrella ; and to Mr James Gavan, a case of pipes. Mr Alexander's remarks on the good qualities of the guests were ably endorsed by other speakers, and vociferously applauded. Mr James Gavan on behalf of his mother and sister responded, and thanked all for the good wishes. Daneing was kept up till the weesrna' hqurs; abundance of refreshments being distributed during the evening. One and all soomed to try toexoel in making the evening an enjoyable one, but a special word of praise is merited by Messrs Alexander, M'lntosh, Webster, Mac Donald, and Gotch for the able manner in which the function was carried out. '