VALEDICTORY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13743, 26 May 1910, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

G ATHERING AT CLARKVILLE. There was an unusually large assemblage of the friends of Mr J. A. and Mrs Clothier at the Clarkville School on Tuesday evening, on the occasion of taking leave of their neighbours after many years residence, t»n their removal to Te Aroha, near Auckland. The chair was occupied by Mr T. Hassall. After tho loyal toasts Mr J. "Wright proposed "The Farming lndustrv, to which Mr Field and Mr W. Keith* responded. Mr S. Meneer proposed "Old Identities/ replied to by Messrs R. Evans and J. L. Wilson. Mr It Mooro proposed "Education," replied to by Rev. A. Mitchell and Mr L. Watson. The Chairman referred to the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs Clothier were held, and the regret felt at their leaving Clarkville. For the subscribers iie presented them with a handsome silver tea and coffee service and afternoon tea salver. The health of the "nests was drunk with musical honours. Mr Clothier, in reply, referred to his excellent neighbours and friends, and to the vicissitudes of farming seasons and potato growing in which he had been chiefly engaged. In a most interesting address lie urged the young men and women to work earnestly for tlw acquisition of a home, and to do something to assist the progress of their district. He referred to the loss sustained by Clarkville by the death of Mr Hay Smith, and expressed the warmest thanks of his wife and himself on being honoured by so large a gathering. He cordially thanked his employees for their , loyalty and industry, and expressed regret at parting. Songs were given by Misses Wright, Clothier, and Rudd, Messrs Wright and the Rev. A. Mitchell.