VALEDICTORY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12256, 20 February 1937, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

TRIBUTE TO OLD RESIDENTS On Thursday evening, a large and representative gathering of Welcome Bay settlers assembled at the homestead of .Mr and Mrs R. T. Johnston, Welcome Bay, for the two-fold purpose of welcoming home Mr and -Mrs Kelvin Johnston, and bidding farewell to Mr and Mrs Johnston, Senior, who are shortly making their home in Tauranga, after a residence in the Bay of over a quarter of a century. The gathering took the form of a surprise party, and the arrival of the visitors was announced bv a vigorously executed selection from an improvised band which made up in volume for any little deficiencies in harmony. The guests were welcomed by Mr and Mrs R. T. John- ■ ston and Mr and Mrs K. Johnston, and a most enjoyable evening was spent in games and competitions, while supper was provided by the ladies of the Bay in their usual bountiful style. During the evening, Mr F. vv. Keam. after apologising for the unavoidable absence of Messrs P. T. Ream and K. Molloy, in a very neat and appropriate speech, referred to the coming departure of Mr and Mrs Johnston from the Bay, and the regret that would be felt at their loss. Mr Ream stressed the sterling qualities of Mr and Mrs Johnston which had endeared them to all their neighbours, referring also to the part they had taken in the social life of the Bay, and to the willing help given by them in all matters for the benefit of the community. On behalf of their Welcome Bay friends, Mr Ream presented Mr and Mrs Johnston with a handsome travelling rug, and wished them long life and health for the full enjoyment of their well-earne'd leisure. Mrs Yeo; President of the Welcome Bay-Hairini Women’s Institute, expressed the regret the Branch felt in the departure of Mrs Johnston, a foundation member, and one of their most enthusiastic workers for the Institute. Mr and Mrs Johnston thanked all for their gift and for their kindly expressions of goodwill. Although leaving Welcome Bay, their new home would be in Tauranga, and they would still be able to maintain the friendships and associations which had been such a pleasant feature of their residence. The health of Mr and Mrs Johnston was drunk with musical honours, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne’ brought to a close an expression of regard and esteem as cordial and spontaneous ,as it was well deserved.