KATIKATI

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 12824, 19 August 1939, Page 2

KATIKATI

*F\REWELL TO MR AND MRS A. C. CUNNINGHAM

Our Correspondent)

On Monday evening the residents of Katikati assembled in the Public Hall to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs A. C. Cunningham, who are leaving the district. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather a large gathering attended the function. Apologies for absence were received from Mr and Mrs A. W. T. Hyde, Miami Mrs F. E. Sped ding. Mr and Mrs N. Blomquist, Mr and Mrs D. C. D. Thomas, Mr and Mrs Kendall, and many others.

The proceedings .opened with a waltz, followed by a vocal item by Miss Boothem, which was much appreciated. Mr O. P. Coleman, being in his usual good form, contributed two songs, which were well received. Mr C. Grayling gave a humorous story. Mr N. Stewart favoured the company with flute solos, and he was loudly applauded. Dancing was resumed and after a dainty supper was disposed of, Mr O. P. Coleman pieseated Mr Cunningham with a fountain pen on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Times as a token of appreciation and esteem. A letter from the firm was also read.

Mr Coleman then presented a cheque on behalf of the citizens of Katikati. He said he felt confident he was expressing public opinion in stating that the loss of Mr Cunningham to the district was a very heavy one. His place would be difficult to fill. He had been, comparatively, in the township a short time-, but during that period he was instrumental in the formation of the Progress League, the hub on which the township revolved. Footpaths had been formed, a two-way bridge was under Construction/,, a maternity hospital was to be erected in the near future, and many other public benefits had been effected, mainly through the untiring efforts of Mr Cunningham, iMr Coleman concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Cunningham success and happiness in their future career. At this juncture the company sang “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” to the echo.

Mr Cunningham, in responding, said he felt somewhat depressed in leaving the district. He had been very much endeared to Katikati, and exressed his deep regret in leaving. He thanked Mr Coleman for his kindly remarks, and expressions of good will. His success would have been undoubtedly retarded had it not been for the co-operation and cohesion of the League It had been a great pleasure to work with such geniality. Mr Cunningham strongly appealed to both young and old to support the League as it stood for progress, and safeguarded the interests of the district. He thanked the Bay of Plenty Times for their generous gift, and suggested to those presen tthe advisability of using the Press as a means-to boost their district. Mr Cunningham also thanked the citizens for their gift, and said it was noble of them to. turn out in such weather. He particularly expressed his pleasure in seeing Mr F. Blomquist in the room. Dancing was then indulged in until the small hours, the dance music being supplied by Messrs N. Stewart, E. Staples and C. Grayling. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” brought the function to a close.