PERSONAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3134, 11 September 1922, Page 5

PERSONAL.

The news of the intending departure of Mr and Mrs Gallagher from Omakau was no sooner announced than a movement, which was heartily taken up, was made to do honour to these old and trusty residents- The Social function was held on Thursday last in the Omakau Hall, when there was a large attendanceThe presentation of a purse of sovereigns and an illuminated address was made by Mr John McKnight, who made very complimentary reference to their guests sterling worth. The following is the wording of the address:— Mr and Mrs Chas- Gallagher, Omakau.

Dear Friends, On the occasion of your retirement and your consequent departure from this district in which you have resided for upwards of 40 years, we wish to tender you an expression of our regard for you as citizens and as neighbours. Our business and social relationship with you have been of the most cordial nature, and we have learned to esteem vou both for the sincerity of purpose and uprightness of character, which you have manifested during your long sojourn amongst us. Your sterling qualities have won the esteem and admiration of all who have come into contact with youWhilst regretting your departures from our midst, it is our heartfelt wish that you both may be long spared to enjoy a bountiful measure of health and prosperity. That good fortune may attend yourselves and the members of your family is our ardent desire." Other speakers, who all spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr and Mrs Gallagher, were Messrs John Wilson, G- T. Alexander, T. C Donnelly and J. Clare. Mr W. J. Gallagher replied for his parents, thanking the people for their kindness- Vocal items which added greatly to the pleasure of a very happy evening, were contributed by Mesdames Purcell and Sexton and Mr F. Perkins- All were deservedly encored. Excellent music for the dancing was supplied by Mr T. Truesdale (violin,) and Miss Mcßae (piano). Mr and Mrs Gallagher leave for Wanganui on Wednesday, and they carry with them the best wishes of the Community for their future happinessMr John Bourke, one of our very earliest 6ettlers, passed away at the residence of his daughter, (Miss L- M- Bourke), at Clyde on Thursday last. Mr and Mrs Bourke (the latter died nearly 16 years ago), lived for many years on the bank of the Molyneux River, on the Earnscleugh side, near Clyde, and here they brought up their family. Both were esteemed and respected residents. Mr Bourke, whose funeral took place yesterday, the Rev- Father Hunt officiating at the service, had reached the great age of 87 years. That petty thieving is still going on in church porches during service was shown in some of the Auckland churches last Sunday night, and as worshippers went in who were inclined to hang their coats and hats on the pegs provided for them they were advised by those in attendance that it was far safer to carry their property into the seats. It was a strange commentary on our modern civilisation that a long row of vacant hooks was seen as the congregation dispersed.