DISTRICT NEWS NOTES.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLVI, Issue 78, 2 April 1920, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS NOTES.

TAHAKOPA. FBOM OUR own CORRESPONDENT. Tahakopa Valley is about to lose two of its host and highly residents in the persons of 'Mr and Mrs Win. McKegg, who have been fanning litre for the past 10 years. 111-heal'tli brought on by overwork and; exposure has made it necessary for .Mr MeKegg' to seek a drier climate and less arduous ■motle of living. Keen regret is felt and expressed at their departure, as we are distinct losers 'by their absence. Filled with' a desire to give them' a hearty anil public farewell, a social uvening was arranged for last Friday, when nearly the whole of the district residents rolled up -to Hioiiour the Occasion. It pro veil one of the 'most successful and charming functions ever held in'the Valley. Cheeriness was the keynote of the gathering, and nothing uicnned to mar it. After am interval of dancing, with musical interludes, a tasty repast was handed round. While folks were seated Mr William Wilson, of Papatowai, spoke of the loss of our good friend anil his wife and family. He eulogised the sterling and helpful qualifications possessed by Mr McKegg, and' gave many instances' of his skill with stock in farm work and how promptly he gave a helping hand to his neighhours when called upon.. Mrs. McKegg's hospitality was unbounded, and 'her many little acts of kindness had won a large niini : ber of appreciative friends. Their departure was a distinct loss to this district, and a gain to some other place. He had pleasure, 011 behalf of the residents, in presenting a purse of money to the guests of the evening, with every good wish for long life, health anil happiness in their new home. The audience promptly rose and expressed their approval with musical honours. <Mr Wilson's remarks were endorsed by 'Mr .lamies Rae, who voiced his high appreciation ami esteem for Mr and Mrs McKegg, regretting the cause that took them away from among •us, while lie felt quite sure success would attend 'them in their new sphere of action. Mr McKegg responded in liisu.sual quaint and humorous style. He was going to reside in Oamaru district for a while at least, ami expected to Tupair his health in that invigorating climate. He had spent happy years in the Valley, and was loth to leave it and his many kindly neighbours. He recouiuted numerous incidents when he hail been called upon' to doctor stoek. His latest effort had 'been to fix up the damaged eye of a man. He con-side-red if Dr Steiihouse's order to leave the district- was not s'o much a case for his (the speaker's health) as to get rid of a dangerous rival, doctors as a class being t'arseeing men. When th<?y were settkd in their new home the door would always be open for the folks of this district. -Some day he might 1)0 able to come back here to live. At present he thanked them for their gift and the good wishes that went with it, He called upon '.Miss Sanderson (school teacher), who was a childhood companion of 'Mrs 'McKegg, to responil for his wife. This request -Miss Sanderson promptly complied with, winning hearty applause for her remarks. Dancing was then resumed, continuing until daybreak, the musicians being Messrs Pullar, Rae (2) and Griffen, while under the capable control of Mr Alex. Tuunicliff evening passed smoothly' 'awl I pleasantly.